THE Printfield 10 – Denis Law Legacy Trail is to be officially unveiled in Aberdeen on Saturday.
Denis Law was born in 1940 and raised in the Printfield area of Aberdeen. He would go on to become Scotland’s only winner of the Ballon d’Or, netting 30 goals for Scotland, and playing for the likes Manchester United, Torino, and Manchester City.
The 10 point trail is a walking route through Denis’ childhood community, with it celebrating his life, career, and impact on Aberdeen. The trail was designed by Fine Day Studio in collaboration with New Practice, whilst the murals were produced by Blank Walls.
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. With 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’m thrilled to see the Denis Law Legacy Trail completed in the heart of Denis’ childhood community of Printfield. The trail will allow people to walk in the footsteps of a sporting legend and experience a world-class public artwork in the heart of Aberdeen.
“These artworks will attract both local people and tourists to the Printfield area, further cementing Aberdeen’s reputation as a growing hub for public art and cultural heritage. It’s a very fitting tribute for one of Aberdeen’s greatest sons.”
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.
Alex Harvey and Jerome Davenport, co-founders of Blank Walls, said, “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.”
Colin Leonard, founder of Fine Day Studio, added, “We’re thrilled to see the first phase of the Denis Law Legacy Trail come to life. Denis wasn’t just a footballing icon — he was also a fearless, selfless teammate who never lost sight of his roots in Printfield and Aberdeen.
“Every stop on the trail offers a chance to celebrate his story and spark pride in the place he called home. It’s been about creating something joyful and meaningful that belongs to the whole community.”
Di Law, Denis’ daughter, commented, “We are absolutely delighted and immensely proud to support this unbelievable project that will leave a positive and long-lasting legacy for our father and the community in Printfield.”
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.”
Mark Williams, chief operating officer of The Denis Law Legacy Trust, added, “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. Built to inform and inspire all who visit this, we hope it will continue to do so for many years to come.”
