Greyfriars Bobbys Statue, Edinburgh 1975

At the corner of Candlemaker Row and George IV Bridge in Edinburgh stands one of the city’s most beloved landmarks — the statue of Greyfriars Bobby. Erected in 1873, this small bronze figure commemorates the legendary Skye Terrier who captured the hearts of Victorians with his unwavering loyalty.

The story goes that Bobby belonged to John Gray, an Edinburgh night watchman who died in 1858. Following his master’s burial in nearby Greyfriars Kirkyard, Bobby reportedly spent the next 14 years guarding the grave, braving all weather until his own death in 1872. So moved were the public by this display of devotion that Lady Burdett-Coutts commissioned a statue, crafted by sculptor William Brodie, to keep Bobby’s memory alive.

Mounted atop a granite drinking fountain, the statue once offered water to both humans and dogs. Though the fountain has long since dried up, the statue remains a cherished symbol of loyalty and love. Visitors often rub Bobby’s nose for luck — a practice discouraged due to wear, but still commonly seen.

Just steps away is Greyfriars Kirkyard, where both Bobby and his master are buried. Nearby, the Museum of Edinburgh houses Bobby’s original collar and bowl — adding further depth to a tale that continues to resonate with people around the world.