Legend Denis is honoured by city

Denis Law has been awarded the Freedom of the City of Aberdeen.

The former Manchester United striker had the honour bestowed upon him at the Beach Bal lroom yesterday.

Previous recipients include Sir Winston Churchi l l , Nelson and Winnie Mandela, Mikhail Gorbachev and Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 77-year-old, who was born in the city, said: “To get the Freedom of the City of Aberdeen is a real highlight in my life and something I will never forget.

“It was very emotional, looking around the audience and seeing all of our family and people from Aberdeen.

“It was a proud day for our children and grandchildren – they have never been to something like this and it was a very special event.

“I was looking forward to it but was nervous about the occasion. Fortunately, my good friend the Lord Provost gave me his backing and it went very well.”

The ceremony saw Denis sign the Freedom Roll and have the Burgess Ticket pinned to his hat, a Scotland cap provided by the Scottish Football Association.

A parade on Union Street, led by Denis, will take place today when he is expected to greet crowds from the Town House balcony.

The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Barney Crockett, said: “Today’s ceremony was a fantastic occasion to honour an incredible individual, a man who put Aberdeen on the world map and who has never forgotten his roots.”