A dog's loyalty

Greyfriar's Bobby was a faithful Skye Terrier in 19th century Edinburgh. He reportedly spent 14 years guarding his owner's grave. His owner was John Gray, an Edinburgh city policeman. After Gray died of tuberculosis in 1858, Bobby refused to leave his graveside. He stayed by the grave for 14 years before dying in 1872 at age 16. The dog's devotion deeply moved the people of Edinburgh, who fed him and protected him.

Greyfriars Bobby statue, c. 1873

One year after Bobby died (in 1873), the Greyfriars Bobby statue was unveiled in Edinburgh. It was placed at the junction of George IV Bridge and Candlemaker Row, opposite the entrance to Greyfriars Kirkyard. The life-size statue is perched on top of a small granite drinking fountain. Touching Bobby's nose is meant to bring good luck, but can damage the historic landmark; thus, is frowned upon.

Perched on top of a drinking fountain

Bobby was buried just inside the gate of Greyfriars Kirkyard, not far from John Gray's resting place. A separate newer commemorative headstone and a newer granite sculpture inside the kirkyard were added later, in 1981 and 2021 respectively

Scotland's most beloved dog, c. 2021

Commemorative gravestone, c. 1981

Bobby's story