Public art trail to celebrate footballer Denis Law’s legacy unveiled

A walking trail to celebrate the life of legendary Scottish footballer Denis Law has been unveiled in his childhood community of Printfield, Aberdeen.

Designed and delivered by Fine Day Studio in collaboration our team of community engagement & placemaking experts, the ‘Printfield 10: Denis Law Legacy Trail’ aims to inspire visitors and the community to learn about and celebrate Denis’ achievements.

The 10-point wayfinding trail features a series of outdoor artworks designed to promote Denis’s childhood roots, including sculptures, wayfinding totems, plaques and murals. 

Each stop of the wayfinding trail reflects a part of Denis’s story, with interactive storytelling elements throughout. Images and text highlight aspects of Denis’s childhood and footballing career; culminating in recognition of his lasting impact off the pitch — including his work with the Denis Law Legacy Trust, his CBE for services to charity and football, multiple honorary degrees, and the Freedom of Aberdeen. The trail is complimented by a series of murals by Blank Walls. 

The project was first initiated by the Printfield community and developed in collaboration with the Denis Law Legacy Trust, Robert Gordon University’s Gray’s School of Art, Denis’s family and was commissioned by Aberdeen City Council. 

The design team for the project included Fine Day Studio and our team of experts in community engagement and placemaking.

Zoë Grainge, designer here at Civic, commented: “The Denis Law Legacy Trail is an incredible project that highlights the far-reaching, positive impact that public realm improvement and public art can have on communities, and how it can help them to share their memories and discover histories of local icons together. Through carefully crafted design, the trail celebrates Denis Law’s legacy as a globally renowned footballer, and equally importantly, as a local hero. 

“We’re proud to lead on the design and delivery of the installation in collaboration with Fine Day, bringing more than a decade of experience in delivering public art across the UK and internationally, and working with modest budgets to make something the community is proud of.”

Colin Leonard, founder of Fine Day Studio, said: “We’re delighted 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.”

Councillor Neil Copland said: “I’m thrilled to see the Denis Law Legacy Trail completed in the heart of Denis’s 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.”

Printfield 10: Denis Law Legacy Trail has been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Aberdeen City Council’s Common Good Fund.