Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Bobby’s loyalty is still a beacon
HE WAS one of Scotland’s most faithful companions and yesterday tributes were paid to Greyfriars Bobby, the dog who would not leave his master’s side even after death.
At the sound of Edinburgh’s one o’clock gun, the legend of Bobby was remembered at his grave in the city’s Greyfriars Kirkyard, 150 years after the loyal dog died.
Seven-year-olds Imogen Piper and Arthur Rudd, from nearby George Heriot’s School, laid a posy in memory of Bobby.
Piper Jennifer Hutcheon, 72, played a specially written tribute to him.
In the flowers laid by the primary three pupils, on behalf of the Dogs Trust charity, the 16-year-old Skye terrier was described as a “truly loyal companion and a great ambassador for Edinburgh”.
The legend is that he belonged to night-watchman John Gray, who took on the dog to keep him company through the long nights.
But Mr Gray died of tuberculosis on February 15 1858.
Bobby refused to leave his owner’s side, and until his own death on January 14 1872 he would stay by Mr Gray’s graveside, even in the most treacherous weather conditions.
Alastair Morrison, head of George Heriot’s Junior School, said Greyfriars Bobby continues to play a “significant and meaningful part” in the culture of Edinburgh.
“You rarely go past the statue here without a throng of tourists from different parts of the world, and quite right too,” he said.
“Greyfriars Bobby epitomised loyalty, dedication and there’s no surprise that dogs are of course man’s best friend.”
Jack Johnstone, from the Dogs Trust, said Bobby “symbolises everything that dogs can bring to the lives of humans, not only as pets but members of our family”.