Touching tribute to Greyfriars Bobby and Edinburgh watchman John Gray hosted at Greyfriars Kirkyard

Greyfriars Bobby and his owner, an Edinburgh watchman named John Gray, patrolled the area on their nightly rounds.

A commemorative event celebrating the remarkable and touching dedication of Greyfriars Bobby was hosted at the Greyfriars Kirkyard yesterday to showcase the close bond between owner and dog.

A colourful collection of pets and their owners were invited to the event to learn about activities such as grooming, playing, training and exercising that help to foster the special relationship between master, or mistress, and hound.

Guests heard from Dr Jan Bondeson who recited the famous tale of Edinburgh’s much-loved pooch as well as from Angus Healy of the Dogs Trust who delivered speeches on canine welfare.

Touching tribute to Greyfriars Bobby and Edinburgh watchman John Gray hosted at Greyfriars Kirkyard

The Lord Provost, Councillor Frank Ross, also spoke on the importance of Greyfriars Bobby as an Edinburgh icon and a special poem was also read out by pupils from Prestonfield Primary School.

Dogs Trust’s Dog School team in Edinburgh arranged a fun agility course for dog owners and their pets. The campaigns team were also on hand to offer free health checks, microchipping, training advice and responsible dog ownership advice.

Jen Terris, Campaigns Manager for Dogs Trust in Scotland, said: “Not only did we want to commemorate the memory of Scotland’s most famous dog and the relationship he had with his owner; but we also wanted to celebrate the unbreakable bond between other owners and their dogs.

“It is every dog owner’s worst fear that they should be separated from their pet, yet 70 percent of dog owners in Scotland aren’t aware that it is a legal requirement for their dog to wear a collar and tag, as well as having an up-to-date microchip.

“Ensuring they have all of these is the best way to ensure we are reunited with them should they ever go missing.

“We provided a host of resources and information which promote responsible dog ownership. We were looking forward to building on the success of last year’s event, which received really positive feedback from attendees.”

Greyfriars Bobby and his owner, an Edinburgh watchman named John Gray, patrolled the area on their nightly rounds.

After his death in 1858, John Gray was buried in Greyfriars Courtyard, where Bobby would continue to visit daily and watch over his grave for 14 years until his own death in 1872. Their remarkable bond has featured in two hit movies.

Caroline L Walker, City Tours Edinburgh, said: “I attend the event every year and last year I came in costume with fellow tour guides to help celebrate the event in style. The tale of Greyfriars Bobby has always meant something special to me as has the Kirkyard as a whole.”