Memorial trail for Denis ‘The King’ Law unveiled on street where he grew up

A memorial trail honouring “Scotland’s most famous footballer” has been unveiled to an audience of his friends, fans and family on the street where he grew up.

Denis Law, who died in January aged 84, hailed from Printfield Terrace, Aberdeen.

He grew up to play for teams including Huddersfield Town, Manchester City and Manchester United.

He also played for Torino, in Italy, from 1961-1962.

He scored 227 goals during his club career and a further 30 for Scotland’s national team.

Law, known as “The King”, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia in 2021.

On Saturday, a memorial trail was officially opened on the street where he grew up.

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 of the city and celebrates his life, career, and impact on the city.

The trail features a number of murals, including on the sides of buildings, depicting him in the different strips he wore throughout his career.

The trail, created by designers at Fine Day Studio and New Practice, was produced by street art company Blank Walls.

It also features a small monument that was opened with a traditional ribbon-cutting, a wall showing various career highlights and press-cuttings, and a plaque on the wall of 6 Printfield Terrace.

The creation of the trail was agreed in 2020 thanks to the efforts of councillor Neil Copland.

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.”

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.”

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.”

First Minister John Swinney previously paid tribute to the footballer, hailing him as a “humble individual that contributed a great deal to Scottish society”.

He 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.”