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STV News
28-05-2025
- Sport
- STV News
Denis Law trail remembering one of Scotland's greatest ever footballers
A walking trail honouring footballing legend Denis Law has been unveiled in Aberdeen. Denis Law, who died in January aged 84, was known as one of Scotland's greatest ever footballers. Now his home city of Aberdeen is honouring his life with the Denis Law Legacy Trail, a walking route that celebrates his life, career and the impact he had on the city. It's centred in the Printfield area of the city, where Law grew up. Visitors are greeted by two stunning high-rise murals: one captures Law playing for Scotland on one side of the block, the other depicts him in the iconic red of Manchester United. It was painted by renowned Australian street artist Jerome Davenport. STV News The trail centres on the Printfield area of Aberdeen where Law grew up He told STV News: 'This has been an incredible project to be part of and It's a great honour to create such an iconic legacy piece for a legend of Aberdeen and a legend of football. 'We hope the mural becomes a welcome addition to the already impressive street art in Aberdeen and serves as an inspiration to the local community.' Law, who spent most of his career at United, cemented his status as a Scottish football legend after becoming the joint top scorer for his country's team with 30 goals from 55 caps. SNS Group Denis Law. The Aberdeen-born striker died on January 17, aged 84, more than three years after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Mark Williams, from the Denis Law Legacy Trust, said the aim behind the trail was to inform and inspire. 'I want people to come here and learn all about the wonderful Denis Law, Scotland's only ever Ballon d'Or winner and also to inspire. 'There are a lot of young people looking for role models, looking for positive people to shape them and inspire them and motivate them to their future. That's what we really hope this trail will become. 'We have been delighted to support the local Printfield community to deliver an incredible legacy for Denis in and around the very streets where he was born,' he added. SNS Group Denis Law in 1965 The trail is the result of a huge community effort and consists of colourful interactive installations throughout the area where he grew up which is sparking huge pride among locals. The Denis Law Legacy Trust hopes the trail highlighting the sporting icon's uplifting story will inspire all generations and be forever remembered. Councillor Neil Copland of Aberdeen City Council said: 'We have done something that people like and want and appreciate and its transformative, it really is. 'We have made a difference and you can't ask for any more. 'The community are happy and that's what it comes down to. It's putting a smile on people's faces and its brilliant.' The trail will be officially opened on Saturday at 3.15pm, at number 10 on the corner of Printfield Walk and Printfield Terrace. Between 2pm and 4.15pm, there will be workshops for families in the Printfield play area, games and activities by The Denis Law Legacy Trust and workshops by Fine Day Studio and the Robert Gordon University Mobile Art School. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
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." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 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."
Press and Journal
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Why Denis Law memorial trail unveiling falls at the same time as Aberdeen's Scottish Cup final clash
The unveiling of Denis Law's new Printfield memorial is to fall on the same day as Aberdeen's cup final day in an 'unfortunate' calendar clash. The trail, set to commemorate 'The Lawman's' childhood growing up in Printfield, will be officially opened tomorrow at 3.15pm on Saturday May 24. The unveiling begins 15 minutes after Aberdeen's biggest match of the season, the Scottish Cup Final, kicks off at Hampden Park, Glasgow. It has led to some being 'disappointed' by the clash in timings, but organisers have said that it was the only date 'that everyone could manage.' The memorial is set to be attended by 'as many members of the Law family as possible' who are travelling to Aberdeen from Manchester for the event. Law, Aberdeen's most revered footballer, grew up in Printfield and attended Powis Academy. He made 404 appearances for Manchester United and remains to this day Scotland's only Ballon D'Or winner. Law passed away aged 84 after a 'tough battle' with illness last January. Mark Williams, CEO of the Denis Law Legacy Trust, admitted today that the clash was something he'd have liked to avoid. Mark said: 'We absolutely would have planned it differently – it's an unfortunate clash. 'But it will be a fantastic day for Aberdeen, not just the Denis Law Legacy Trail but also the football club reaching the Scottish Cup final for the first time in quite a while.' Printfield councillor Neil Copland, also said he understood some of the disappointment caused by the date chosen. He said: 'The date was set before Aberdeen qualified for the final, it was set to accommodate as many members of the Law family as possible travelling up from Manchester, after all it's about Denis Law. 'It is unfortunate, but the only date that everyone could manage was Saturday. 'I know people will be disappointed that it clashes but I am sure they can visit Printfield and enjoy experiencing the trail and the murals in the coming weeks.' The trail will be officially opened at number 10 on the corner of Printfield Walk and Printfield Terrace. The project was first initiated by the Printfield community and developed in collaboration with Denis Law Legacy Trust, Robert Gordon University's Gray's School of Art, Denis' family and Aberdeen City Council. Between 2pm and 4.15pm, there will be workshops for families in the Printfield play area. Games and activities by The Denis Law Legacy Trust and workshops by Fine Day Studio and the Robert Gordon University Mobile Art School will also be held.
STV News
08-05-2025
- Sport
- STV News
Denis Law honoured with commemorative plaque at birthplace
Denis Law is set to be honoured with a commemorative plaque at his birthplace in Aberdeen. The Aberdeen-born striker died on January 17, aged 84, more than three years after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Law, who spent most of his career at United, cemented his status as a Scottish football legend after becoming the joint top scorer for his country's team with 30 goals from 55 caps. Aberdeen City Council confirmed the commemorative plaque was 'unanimously agreed' will be sited at his birthplace at 6B Printfield Terrace. The Denis Law Legacy Trust made the application on Wednesday. Aberdeen City Council's Finance and Resources Committee approval goes against normal criteria for plaques, which is that the person should have died at least 20 years ago and have been born more than 100 years ago. Denis Law, who was Scotland's only winner of the prestigious footballing award Ballon d'Or, has already been commemorated in the city with murals painted on Clifton Court in March. Finance and Resources convener councillor Alex McLellan said Law demonstrated his 'strong and caring commitment' to younger generations by creating a legacy trust. 'The positive support and opportunities that Denis Law has given through the trust is an enduring way to celebrate our much-loved and much-respected local football hero,' he said. 'Denis Law has been an inspiring role model to so many people as well as being an exceptional footballer – he was and continues to be a hero in Aberdeen and abroad and we are very happy to agree to a commemorative plaque.' Aberdeen City Council co-leader councillor Ian Yuill said the committee agreement shows the 'depth of feeling' to Denis Law. 'It is fitting he is recognised for all his achievements, not just those on the football pitch,' he said. Denis received the Freedom of the City in November 2017, with more than 15,000 people lining the streets of Aberdeen as he led the annual Christmas lights switch-on parade. Denis and his friend Sir Alex Ferguson feature in Provost Skene's House, which showcases people with links to Aberdeen and the North East who have transformed the wider world. The bronze statue of Denis was unveiled by The King himself in the heart of his home city in Marischal Square, beside Provost Skene's House. Sir Alex Ferguson was at the ceremony to watch the unveiling. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
