Delight as council backs city’s ‘game-changing’ Denis Law walking trail

A walking trail honouring football legend Denis Law will be a “gamechanger” for the area where he grew up say community leaders.

Last year plans were announced for an extensive trail and artwork around Printfield, where Mr Law was born and raised.

The Denis Law Legacy Trust and Printfield Community Forum want to cement the footballing great’s legacy and inspire local youth through the Printfield 10 project named in honour of his shirt number.

Last week, Aberdeen City Council’s city growth and resources committee approved £20,000 of Common Good funding for the walking trail.

“Denis is such a genuine gentleman and I know when the forum were trying to do something like this, he was chuffed to bits,” said Margaret England, who chaired the community forum when the project was brought forward.

“For me it’s about honouring him as a local person, and letting others know that just because you come from a certain area doesn’t mean you can’t do anything you want.

“I think through this trail we should be showing how proud we are of Denis, and I am so chuffed with the council’s decision to give us the money for the legacy trail.”

“This is huge,” said Hilton, Woodside and Stockethill councillor Neil Copland, who has campaigned on the issue for several years.

“It is a potential gamechanger for the whole of Woodside. It will attract people into the area and it is safe to say the people in Printfield are absolutely delighted.

“Denis Law is proud of his roots in Printfield, and the people of Printfield are proud of Denis. It’s a two-way street.”

Mr Law, 81, won the European Cup with Manchester United, is the joint top scorer for the Scotland national team and is the only Scot to win football’s top individual prize – the Ballon d’Or.

In August it was revealed he had been diagnosed with dementia.

The Denis Law Legacy Trust says the art trail will help inspire local young.

“The Printfield 10 project is a really exciting one for the local community and we’re delighted funding and approval took a significant step forward last week,” said Mark Williams, the organisation’s chief operating officer.

A start date for work on the project has not been confirmed, but it is expected to begin within the next few months.

A sign in the area points to Denis Law’s achievements.

Neil Copland and Margaret England in Printfield.