Agenda and minutes

With reference to Article 34 of the minute of its meeting of 15 March 2017, and in accordance with arrangements made pursuant thereto, the Council convened this day at the Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen, for the purpose of admitting Denis Law CBE as an honorary Freeman of the City of Aberdeen.

The proceedings were opened by the Lord Provost who said:-

“My Lords and Ladies, Members of Parliament, Members of the Scottish Parliament, fellow Councillors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen and Denis Law.

I am absolutely delighted to welcome you all to this historic ceremony at which the Freedom of the City of Aberdeen is being bestowed on Denis Law CBE - in recognition of his outstanding career as a world renowned footballer, his dedication to charitable endeavour and his commitment to community sport in Aberdeen.”

There followed the singing of a hymn, and after a prayer by the Reverend Stephen Taylor, City Chaplain, the Lord Provost continued:-

“The story of Denis Law is a fascinating tale of triumph over adversity that saw a young Aberdeen loon rise from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest football players the world has ever seen.

For those from further afield, ‘loon’ is the word in the North-East of Scotland’s Doric language used to describe a young boy or teenage male. This particular loon went on to become a legend.

The story of Aberdeen’s most famous sporting son has been well told in print and on screen but is one worthy of repeating.

Denis was born to George and Robina on 24 February 1940 at 6 Printfield Terrace, in Woodside, Aberdeen. He was the youngest of seven children, the son of a fisherman.

Despite difficulties with his vision as a boy, to the extent of playing football with one eye closed throughout his childhood, he never once let that deter him from chasing the dream of being the best. A nation owes a debt of gratitude for that spirit of perseverance.

Denis was obsessed with football from a very young age and spent all his time playing and watching local teams. He was a keen supporter of Aberdeen Football Club and would try to gain entry into Pittodrie even when he didn’t have enough money to pay for a ticket. He remains a life-long Dons fan.

His first experience of playing in a team came when he was selected to play for Hilton Primary School under-11s at the age of nine. Clearly his early promise was already shining through.

After finishing primary school he progressed to Powis Secondary School, now known as St Machar Academy.

At 13 years of age Denis joined Aberdeen Lads Club, and helped raise funds to form the Lads Club Colts. Showing promise, he was soon selected to play for Aberdeen Schoolboys and then went on to represent Scotland Schoolboys.

In April 1955 Denis was invited for a trial at Huddersfield Town. Despite an uncharacteristically quiet performance, where his small build and poor eyesight were picked up on, he  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.