Printfield legacy for Denis Law can be a "game-changer"

A walking trail that was last week unanimously approved has been praised by local campaigners.

The Printfield 10 project, a collaboration between Denis Law Legacy Trust, Aberdeen City Council and Printfield Community Forum, has been lauded for its potential of being a “game-changer” in the local community.

Neil Copland, Councillor for Hilton, Woodside and Stockethill councillor, said: “This is huge. It is a potential game-changer 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.

“This has got the potential to be a world-class tourist attraction for Aberdeen. It will pull people into the area and raise it up. Denis Law is proud of his roots in Printfield, and the people of Printfield are proud of Denis. It’s a two-way street.

“They really like and appreciate Denis Law and the fact he has never forgotten where he came from. That has really resonated with people here.”

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

“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.”

Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Denis Law Legacy Trust, added: "The Printfield 10 project is a really exciting one for the local community and we’re delighted that funding and approval took a significant step forward last week.

“The walking trail will celebrate the legendary achievements of Denis Law, Scotland’s only ever Ballon d’Or winner, while also providing young people in the area with the belief and aspiration that they can match his heights.

“Engaging and inspiring the local community, particular the next generation, is so important to us and we look forward to working with Aberdeen City Council and the local community in the coming months.”

Initial ideas for the project were developed by Robert Gordon university and Denis Law Legacy Trust, who have also signposted images of Denis Law’s football career here.

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