Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye terrier, is a celebrated figure in Edinburgh, immortalized by a statue and a heartwarming tale of unwavering loyalty. His story, though debated by some historians, continues to captivate visitors and locals alike, embodying the deep bond between humans and their canine companions. This iconic dog’s legend serves as a powerful reminder of fidelity and devotion.
The traditional narrative recounts the story of Bobby and his owner, John Gray, a night watchman. After Gray’s death in 1858, Bobby reportedly spent fourteen years faithfully guarding his master’s grave at Greyfriars Kirkyard until his own passing in 1872. This devotion supposedly began at Traill’s Dining Rooms, a regular haunt for Gray and Bobby, where the dog would leave to visit his owner’s resting place daily. Bobby’s steadfast loyalty resonated deeply with the public, transforming him into a beloved character in Edinburgh’s history. His fame even led to the Lord Provost presenting him with a collar and paying his dog tax, following an initial refusal by the owner of Triall’s Dining Rooms to cover the cost. Triall, however, continued to provide Bobby with food and his own designated bowl, which is now displayed at the Museum of Edinburgh.
However, research by Jan Bondeson from Cardiff University has cast a different light on Bobby’s tale, suggesting the existence of two dogs named Bobby. Bondeson’s findings propose that the original Bobby was a mongrel adopted by James Brown, the kirkyard’s warden. Brown allegedly perpetuated the story of the loyal terrier to tourists, often in exchange for refreshments, leading them to Triall’s Dining Rooms. According to this theory, after the first Bobby’s death in 1867, Triall introduced a second, more visually appealing dog to maintain the establishment’s popularity and the continuity of the legend.
Regardless of the historical accuracy, Bobby’s enduring popularity was cemented with the erection of a statue in his honor in November 1873. Positioned opposite the kirkyard’s entrance, the statue, sculpted by William Brodie and commissioned by Baroness Angela Burdett Coutts, stands as a “tribute to the affectionate fidelity of Greyfriars Bobby.” This memorial landscape was further enhanced in 1981 when the Dog Aid Society of Scotland placed a gravestone for Bobby within the kirkyard. Nearby, visitors can also find a revamped gravestone for John Gray, identified as the “master of Greyfriars Bobby,” and James Sexton, a “friend to Greyfriars Bobby.” These inscriptions highlight how Bobby has become the central figure in this memorial narrative, with the human characters defined in relation to his story.
While the nearby Elephant House cafe, a place where J. K. Rowling famously wrote parts of the Harry Potter series, now rivals Bobby’s popularity, his statue and gravestone remain significant attractions on Edinburgh’s tourist route. Local businesses capitalize on Greyfriars Bobby’s fame through various souvenirs, books, and films, ensuring the legend remains in the public consciousness. Tourism officials actively promote the story, downplaying the impact of historical disputes. A spokesperson for Visit Scotland stated that “separating fact from legend is always going to be tricky but regardless of how much the story has evolved over the years it has done little to deter visitors paying homage to a true Scottish icon.” They added, “I’m sure that visitors to Edinburgh will continue to be inspired by Bobby’s story and he is worthy of his place in Scottish history.”
Bondeson’s research merits acknowledgment for its attempt to clarify the historical record of Greyfriars Bobby. Yet, the enduring meaning and myth surrounding Bobby are arguably more compelling than the precise historical events. The tale underscores the timeless human fascination with the image of the loyal dog. While the true motivations of the dog or dogs remain unknown, contemporary observers readily interpreted their presence as irrefutable proof of canine fidelity. The Greyfriars Bobby story not only tapped into the 19th-century public’s appetite for sentimental tales of loyalty but also reinforced the narrative of Protestant resilience and determination associated with Greyfriars Kirk. In 1638, Protestants famously signed the National Covenant at this very site, symbolizing their commitment to the Protestant cause. Therefore, Bobby’s loyalty, whether real or embellished, found fertile ground in late 19th-century Scotland.
The resonance of the Greyfriars Bobby story extends far beyond Edinburgh. Similar narratives of devoted dogs continue to emerge globally, such as the case of a dog in China who reportedly refused to leave its owner’s grave in November 2011. The ongoing celebration of loyal canine companions suggests that the myth of Greyfriars Bobby will persist, even in the face of historical revelations. Narratives of faithful dogs fulfill a fundamental human need to feel cherished and valued, and for some, they serve as exemplars of loyalty that humans should strive to emulate. As the inscription on Bobby’s 1981 gravestone poignantly reads: “Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all.” Through memorials, literature, film, and media reports, the story of Greyfriars Bobby has transcended its debated origins in 19th-century Scotland to become an archetypal morality tale celebrating interspecies fidelity and companionship.
