Tribute to Greyfriars Bobby in Edinburgh ceremony

A special commemmoration ceremony has been held in Edinburgh to mark the anniversary of the death of Greyfriars Bobby, on 14 January. The story of the faithful terrier who stayed at his master's grave after his death, has become one of Edinburgh's most enduring legends and the Greyfriars Bobby monument attracts visitors to the city from around the world.

A poignant lament

The City of Edinburgh Council organised a special event to mark Bobby's death, at which piper Jennifer Hutcheon played the specially written Tribute to Greyfriars Bobby for the first time. Jennifer is a member of The Highland Pipers' Society and the grand daughter of Sergeant James High Spence of the Royal Garrison Artillery, killed in action in Flanders on 7 July, 1917. She won the World Pipe Band Championships Banner and Trophies with Shotts and Dykehead Pipe Band and is now a Grade 1 Adjudicator for the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association.

To bring extra poignancy to the memorial ceremony, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home brought along a dog named Ruby to play the part of Bobby, whilst pupils from George Heriot's Primary School in Edinburgh formed a guard of honour, with two pupils laying a wreath at Bobby's graveside.

Adam Wilkinson, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage said: 'The romantic story of Greyfriars Bobby is synonymous with Edinburgh, and a visit to his grave is undoubtedly of great interest for tourists. We were delighted to be able to help improve the setting of Bobby's statue, by reinstating a traditional lamp standard. This not only enhances a busy part of the World Heritage Site, adjacent to the Museum of Scotland and the important Greyfriars burial ground, but also helps to further commemorate the city's famously loyal dog.'

Image copyright Edinburgh City Council

Read about the death of Greyfriars Bobby.

Keep up to date with the latest history news, discoveries and research in every issue of History Scotland and Scottish Memories.