Lord Provost confirms date for Denis Law to receive freedom of Aberdeen
Last updated 25th Sep 2017
Footballing legend, Denis Law, will be made a freeman of Aberdeen on Saturday 25 November 2017, the city’s Lord Provost has revealed.
The Aberdonian, affectionately known as The Lawman, will be conferred at a special ceremony followed by a civic dinner, both of which will take place at the Beach Ballroom.
The freedom of the city procession will take place the following day (Sunday 26 November) at 5.30pm when Mr Law travels in an open top car down Union Street to the Town House, as part of Aberdeen’s Christmas Lights Switch On parade.
Work continues on the preparation for the special event with council officers working closely with the Denis Law Legacy Trust. Further details will be shared as arrangements are finalised.
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen Barney Crockett said: “I am delighted to announce the date of the freedom ceremony of one the city’s most famous sons Denis Law.
“Denis is a great ambassador for his sport and a wonderful son of the city and I’m sure all the people of Aberdeen will come out to show their respect and admiration for him and join in the celebrations for the freedom of the city parade.”
Denis Law said: “To have the Freedom of the City conferred on me is overwhelming, as you always think these sorts of awards should go to other people. I may have left Aberdeen as a youngster but everyone knows I am an Aberdonian at heart and my love for the city and its people has never diminished. This will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of my life for both me and my family.”
The Powis-born star, now aged 77, was world-renowned for his prolific playing career in the 1960s and 70s, strapping on his boots for Manchester United, Torino and Manchester City, among others.
The centre-forward was a world-class goal scorer and played for Scotland 55 times, jointly holding the Scottish international record goal tally with 30 goals.
He also set a Manchester United record for scoring 46 competitive goals in a single season.
In March 2017, councillors unanimously backed a motion to grant Mr Law the historic freedom of the city honour, which means he will join the likes of former Soviet premier Mikhail Gorbachev, the cast of Scotland the What?, Sir Alex Ferguson and The Highlanders, 4th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland in receiving the accolade.