An online exhibition paying tribute to one of Scotland’s greatest ever footballers has been launched by the University of Stirling.

The showcase celebrates the life of midfielder Billy Bremner, born in the Raploch area of Stirling in 1942, who went on to become a sensation playing for Leeds United and the Scotland National Team.

Researchers put together the exhibition in partnership with pupils at St. Modan’s High School which Bremner attended in the 1950s.

Professor Richard Haynes, sports heritage expert at the University of Stirling, spoke of how impressive the exhibition is, believed to be the only one of its kind.

He said: “This online exhibition presents different phases and facets of Billy’s journey from his home in the Raploch to becoming a professional football player with Leeds United.

“We were overwhelmed with the amount of material we collected for this project.

“We met close friends of Billy’s, who had grown up with him and remained life-long friends, who gave us new insight into his personality and character.”

The exhibition first charts Billy’s life as a youth footballer, playing for Gowanhill United as a teenager.

This part of the collection features interviews from Alex Smith who played alongside Billy.

Dr Karen Fraser, who worked as a researcher for the exhibition, says it was fascinating to hear what Billy was like before he became a star footballer.

She said: “It was an honour to talk to people who knew Billy as a friend before he became the footballing legend, and to record their thoughts.

“Their pride and affection for him shone through as they spoke about his talent, his humour and sense of fun, his loyalty to his friends, his love of Raploch and the fact that he never really left this behind, even when miles away playing and then managing.”

As Billy got older he rejected call ups from Chelsea and Arsenal and decided to join Leeds United – at the time managed by Bill Lambton.

He made his senior debut for the club against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a 3-1 victory, aged only 17.

Leeds were relegated from the First Division that season and spent a couple seasons in the lower tier before being promoted again.

Under new management, Billy switched into a central midfield role and captained the club for the first time when he was still only 22.

Leeds began to enjoy prosperity and success, winning the First Division for the first time in their history in 1968-69 season, a feat Billy helped them achieve again in 1974.

Pupils at his former school interviewed Leeds fans to hear what Bremner meant to the club he spent 16 years at.

St. Modan’s headteacher Claire Friel said: “This study has helped recognise one of St Modan's most successful former pupils.

“Billy was a truly inspirational figure and speaking with supporters from Leeds who recall watching him in his prime, our pupils have learned how highly regarded he was and still is to Leeds fans.

“As time moves on, it is important that figures like Billy are not forgotten.”

Back at home, Billy received 54 caps for the Scotland National Team between 1965-1976, scoring 3 goals.

He regarded Scotland beat world champions England 3-2 at Wembley as one of the greatest moments of his career.

Following a short two-year spell at Hull City, Billy retired from playing and went on to manage Doncaster Rovers.

Under his management, he took them up to the Third Division twice before leaving to make a return to Elland Road as manager.

He spent 3 years managing Leeds and had a brief spell at Doncaster again before retiring from football altogether.

Professor Haynes added that the focal point of the exhibition was to bring this information forward for the younger generation and allow them to connect with their local history.

“Intergenerationality was a main focus of the project.

“We wanted to explore how heritage can be shared and the benefits that brings to both the older generation – who are keen to share their stories – and the younger population, who were able to gain new knowledge and hone new skills.”

The exhibition can be viewed on the University of Stirling website and features a film made by the film and media students.