Memorial trail to Denis Law unveiled on Aberdeen street where he grew up
"It means a lot to us but what we want for this to do is to inspire others, that anything is possible."
A memorial trail honouring Scottish football icon Denis Law has been unveiled on the street where he grew up.
Law, who was born and raised in Aberdeen, sadly died on January 17 at the age of 84, following a battle with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.
Known as "The King", he scored 227 goals during his club career and a further 30 for Scotland's national team, the latter matched only by Kenny Dalglish. He started and finished his professional career in England and never played a domestic game in Scotland, his only move away being a stint with Torino in 1961-62.
He is also the only Scottish player ever to win the Ballon d'Or, being awarded the prestigious honour while playing for Manchester United in 1964.
On Saturday, May 24, the new trail was officially opened on the Granite City's Printfield Terrace in front of an audience of family, friends and supporters.
Hosted by the Denis Law Legacy Trust, it was launched by members of the Law family, the Printfield Project and Aberdeen's Lord Provost, Dr David Cameron.
The ten-point trail is a walking route through the Printfield area, in the north-west of the city, and celebrates his life, career, and impact on the city.
It features a number of murals, including on the sides of buildings, depicting him in the different strips he wore throughout his career.
There is another wall showing various career highlights and press cuttings, and a plaque on the wall of 6 Printfield Terrace. A small monument was opened with a traditional ribbon-cutting.
Gary Law, Mr Law's eldest son, thanked the community and those involved in bringing the trail to fruition.
He added: "The whole family are honoured that dad's life has been recognised in this trail. It means a lot to us but what we want for this to do is to inspire others, that anything is possible.
"It's a wonderful collaboration and I hope everyone enjoys it for years to come."
The creation of the trail was agreed in 2020 thanks to the efforts of councillor Neil Copland. It was brought to life by designers at Fine Day Studio and New Practice, and produced by street art company Blank Walls.
Speaking to an audience of Mr Law's supporters, family and friends as the memorial trail was unveiled, the Lord Provost said: "This is a day that has been very long coming.
"I doubt if there is anybody else other than Denis who was born in the city, he became probably Scotland's most famous footballer, and never played for a Scottish club, but he was always seen as an Aberdonian.
"A few years ago we had the privilege of bestowing on him the freedom of the city, and that was well-deserved. I am absolutely delighted to be here today to see the opening of the Denis Law trail. Denis will never be forgotten and nor should he be - he is what the spirit of Aberdeen is."
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David Suttie, trustee of the Denis Law Legacy Trust, said: "This trail is a wonderful example of the Trust and Aberdeen City Council coming together to support a community-driven project into fruition.
"This project has come to life spectacularly and will be a great focal point for the city for a long time to come."
In an earlier tribute, First Minister John Swinney said: "The legacy from his incredible sporting career had a profound impact on future generations across Scotland and beyond, and I know it will continue to inspire the next generation.
"Despite all of his successes on the pitch, he was also a humble individual that contributed a great deal to Scottish society.
"In his later years, Denis bore his illness with great dignity and bravery, leading from the front when raising awareness of the real challenges and difficulties that come with Alzheimer's.
"Denis was one of Scotland's great superstars who brought joy to people both on and off the pitch. We were very lucky to have him."
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The National
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