'˜Hands off Bobby' National Library in plea to protect Greyfriars Bobby's nose

The famous statue on George IV Bridge has become subject to a new tradition in recent years which sees people rubbing its muzzle for good luck.

The innocent act has resulted in paint being worn and the local authority having to repair the damage.

In a tweet in which they imagined what Bobby would say they wrote: “Hello. My name is Greyfriars Bobby

And I am a statue of a dog

Somehow a rumour started

That it’s good luck to touch my nose

It really isn’t

(Not least because I’m a biter!)

And you will eventually wear it down

Please don’t touch it

Thanks

Bobby (woof!)”

Last year, the statue of Greyfriars Bobby was declared as the capital’s most most-loved object following an overwhelming win in the public vote to enter as the 101st historical object.