ABERDEEN City Council has announced the project team which create a new trail in the city celebrating the legendary footballer Denis Law.
Glasgow-based architecture firm, New Practice, will support Aberdeen-based creative agency, Fine Day, in delivering the trail, which will consist of ten areas in Printfield where Denis grew up.
Work will start over the coming months to create and install the outdoor artworks that will form the trail to highlight the childhood roots of Denis, who is one of Manchester United’s all time top scorers and represented Scotland 55 times.
Aberdeen City Council co-leader, councillor Christian Allard, said, “It is encouraging to see this project entering its final stages. Fine Day will now work closely with the council, the Denis Law Legacy Trust, and the Printfield Community and continue this successful partnership working to see the legacy trail come to fruition in honour of one of our city’s footballing greats.”
A motion on the creation of the walking trail was brought to full council by councillor Neil Copland in March 2020. Councillor Copland said, “I am so pleased that Fine Day are now on board to deliver this walking trail that will celebrate Denis’ life. The trail will not only inspire young people in our city but will generate a welcome boost for the Printfield area as a new tourist attraction.”
Colin Leonard, founder of Fine Day Studio, added, “We are really honoured to have won the commission. We’re celebrating a true legend who was not only crowned ‘the greatest football player on earth’ but also a hardworking and courageous team player who championed his Aberdonian roots and his Printfield upbringing.
“Each destination on the trail holds an opportunity to tell his story and bring a sense of joy and ownership to the community.”
To compliment the trail, a new commission is being launched to create a series of murals of Denis Law on Clifton Court – acting as an iconic gateway to both the city and starting point for the trail route.
Aberdeen City Council is seeking an experienced street art/mural designer to deliver world-class large-scale murals to celebrate Printfield’s connection to its pioneering footballer son.
The closing date for the commission is September 9 and can be viewed on the Public Contract Scotland portal here.