Denis Law was everything us Scots like to think of ourselves as, writes GARY KEOWN - he was the underdog who can be king
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He stands there triumphant, impudent, magnificent, right arm raised high in trademark fashion, at the gable end of Provost Skene’s House in the city centre of his beloved Aberdeen. Belligerence in bronze, inviting all to take inspiration from his own journey from impoverishment to immortality as he points his index finger, most appropriately, to the heavens.
![[Law celebrates scoring in a 2-2 draw with England in 1965, and he was always proud to play for his country]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/19/00/94252061-14299643-image-m-43_1737247361765.jpg)
In less celebrated parts of town – in Garthdee, Northfield, Torry, Tillydrone and Kincorth, to name but a few – young people of all ages gather under his image and the banners bearing his name to take their own steps towards a brighter future. To know that it’s fine and natural to look upwards to the stars as well.
![[Denis Law's statue takes pride of place in the heart of Aberdeen]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/13/94240439-0-image-m-5_1737208594115.jpg)
The Denis Law Legacy Trust run all manner of free-to-access programmes across the Granite City from weeknightly get-togethers promoting sporting and creative activities to an academy based on personal and professional development and a project aimed at supporting the families of prisoners in HMP and YOI Grampian.
![[Law with fellow Manchester United legends Bobby Charlton and George Best]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/13/94240445-0-image-a-6_1737208672833.jpg)
In the words of the charity, who have Denis’ oldest son Gary as a trustee, they exist to offer positive destinations to those from disadvantaged communities. And, in the Lawman, who passed on Friday at the age of 84, there could not be a better example to follow in terms of aiming high, taking your chances and trusting yourself no matter the obstacles in your way and the limitations your background may endeavour to foist upon you.
![[A Scotland jersey was placed outside Old Trafford on Saturday, showing what Law meant to Scots as well as Manchester]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/19/00/94252045-14299643-image-a-44_1737247416263.jpg)
