Greyfriars Bobby: Edinburgh’s Most Loyal Friend

Wee Bobby of Greyfriar's Church

There are many stories in Edinburgh, but few are as loved as the tale of Greyfriars Bobby — the little Skye Terrier whose loyalty touched the hearts of a whole city.

Today, you can see Bobby’s statue on George IV Bridge. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Scotland! But if you’re standing here in the rain, umbrella dripping and feet a little sore, you might be wondering:Who was Bobby, really? And where did he live?

A Wee Dog with a Big Heart

Bobby lived in Edinburgh in the 1800s. Back then, the streets were busy with market stalls, horse-drawn carts, and people shouting over the cobbles. Bobby belonged to a man named John Gray, a night watchman for the City Police. Wherever John went, Bobby followed.

When John Gray died of tuberculosis in 1858, he was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Bobby stayed by his master's grave — and refused to leave.

Living Among the Graves

For 14 years, Bobby kept watch over John’s resting place.But where did he sleep, through the cold, windy Edinburgh nights?

Locals helped him.A kind woman called Mrs. Traill, who ran a coffee house nearby, often let Bobby shelter under a table. She fed him scraps and gave him warmth. The graveyard’s caretaker, James Brown, also took pity on him and allowed him to stay inside the Kirkyard.

Bobby had a whole city looking out for him.

Edinburgh’s Official Dog

In 1867, a new law said that all dogs in the city had to be licensed.Without an owner, Bobby was at risk of being taken away.

But the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Sir William Chambers, had heard about this brave little dog. He paid for Bobby’s license himself.From that day on, Bobby wore a special collar — and he was officially free to stay by his master's grave for the rest of his life.

A Last Goodbye

Bobby died in 1872. He was buried just inside the gates of Greyfriars Kirkyard — close to John Gray. His gravestone reads:“Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all.”

So next time you pass by Bobby’s statue, give his nose a gentle rub for luck. Then, if you have time, step through the Kirkyard gates. Because behind those old walls is where the real story lives — a little dog, faithful until the very end.

Explore more stories like this on the Edinburgh History Walks Map, or browse all blog posts on the homepage to uncover the hidden past beneath your feet.