Leeds United legend Billy Bremner has statue campaign stepped up as hometown follows Elland Road example

Plans to erect a statue honouring one of Scotland’s greatest ever football players in his home town have been stepped up.

Campaigners have begun the process of selecting an artist to commemorate Leeds United legend Billy Bremner in Raploch, Stirling. The project, started by Leeds United supporters groups, is backed by the Scottish Football Supporters Association (SFSA), Raploch Community Council, the University of Stirling and Stirling Council.

A statue of Bremner already graces United’s Elland Road ground where the fiery midfielder made his name. Alexander Gibb, project manager, said: “Leeds and Stirling are two great cities in which Billy Bremner is revered. While he has been immortalised in Leeds, it is about time Bremner is further recognised north of the border in his home town. It is an honour to be part of the project commemorating the man voted as ‘Scotland’s Greatest Ever Captain'.” Three artists, David Annand, Malcolm Robertson and Kenny Hunter have been shortlisted to create the Scottish statue which organisers hope can be erected in Stirling’s Weir Street where the star grew up.

The campaign was started by Leeds United fans who approached Raploch Community Council. Professor Richard Haynes of the University of Stirling then created the video “Fae Raploch to Elland Road” which charted Bremner’s career.

Professor Haynes said: “We were very proud to work with the local community on the cultural heritage project about Bremner. We are delighted to be working with the SFSA and other partners to take the development of a memorial of Bremner in his hometown to the next stage. It is an honour that is more than rightful for a man of Billy Bremner’s stature.”

Current Leeds skipper Liam Cooper and Bremner's former