Denis Law honoured with commemorative plaque at birthplace in Aberdeen

Denis Law is set to be honoured with a commemorative plaque at his birthplace in Aberdeen.

The Aberdeen-born striker died on January 17, aged 84, more than three years after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Law, who spent most of his career at United, cemented his status as a Scottish football legend after becoming the joint top scorer for his country’s team with 30 goals from 55 caps.

Aberdeen City Council confirmed the commemorative plaque was “unanimously agreed” will be sited at his birthplace at 6B Printfield Terrace.

The Denis Law Legacy Trust made the application on Wednesday.

Aberdeen City Council’s Finance and Resources Committee approval goes against normal criteria for plaques, which is that the person should have died at least 20 years ago and have been born more than 100 years ago.

Denis Law, who was Scotland’s only winner of the prestigious footballing award Ballon d’Or, has already been commemorated in the city with murals painted on Clifton Court in March.

Finance and Resources convener councillor Alex McLellan said Law demonstrated his “strong and caring commitment” to younger generations by creating a legacy trust.

“The positive support and opportunities that Denis Law has given through the trust is an enduring way to celebrate our much-loved and much-respected local football hero,” he said.

“Denis Law has been an inspiring role model to so many people as well as being an exceptional footballer – he was and continues to be a hero in Aberdeen and abroad and we are very happy to agree to a commemorative plaque.”

Aberdeen City Council co-leader councillor Ian Yuill said the committee agreement shows the “depth of feeling” to Denis Law.

“It is fitting he is recognised for all his achievements, not just those on the football pitch,” he said.

Denis received the Freedom of the City in November 2017, with more than 15,000 people lining the streets of Aberdeen as he led the annual Christmas lights switch-on parade.

Denis and his friend Sir Alex Ferguson feature in Provost Skene’s House, which showcases people with links to Aberdeen and the North East who have transformed the wider world.

The bronze statue of Denis was unveiled by The King himself in the heart of his home city in Marischal Square, beside Provost Skene’s House. Sir Alex Ferguson was at the ceremony to watch the unveiling.