Greyfriars Bobby is a small outdoor memorial at the corner of Candlemaker Row and George IV Bridge in Edinburgh’s Old Town, opposite the National Museum of Scotland. It commemorates a Skye Terrier said to have kept watch at his owner John Gray’s grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard for 14 years. Pair a brief stop at the statue with a walk through the kirkyard, where Bobby is buried. The statue is free to see and accessible at any time; please leave its nose untouched to help protect the bronze.
Bobby’s story
The statue commemorates Bobby, a Skye Terrier associated with Edinburgh’s Old Town. The story tells that after his owner, John Gray, was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard, Bobby stayed by the grave for 14 years, until his own death in 1872.
Gray worked as a night watchman with the Edinburgh Police Force, and Bobby accompanied him. The tale of the dog’s devotion has since appeared in books and films. The statue gives you a small, outdoor place to pause before exploring the surrounding historic quarter.
From the statue to Greyfriars Kirkyard
The memorial stands at the corner of Candlemaker Row and George IV Bridge, opposite the National Museum of Scotland and beside Greyfriars Kirkyard. The cemetery is an important part of the story: Bobby and Gray are both buried there. Take time to walk through the kirkyard after seeing the statue.
Bobby’s grave is marked, and visitors sometimes leave sticks or flowers. Keep the visit respectful and follow any guidance at the cemetery. The statue itself can be seen at any time, but the kirkyard has its own public access hours.
A note on the statue’s nose
Touching Bobby’s nose became a visitor tradition, with some people doing so for good luck. It is discouraged because rubbing can damage the statue’s protective coating. Admire the memorial without touching it, and leave the bronze in good condition for the next person.
Perguntas frequentes
Is the Greyfriars Bobby Statue free to visit?
Yes. The outdoor statue has free admission.
Where is the Greyfriars Bobby Statue?
It stands at the corner of Candlemaker Row and George IV Bridge in Edinburgh’s Old Town, opposite the National Museum of Scotland.
Can you visit Greyfriars Kirkyard after seeing the statue?
Yes. The kirkyard is beside the statue, and Bobby and his owner are buried there. The cemetery has its own public access hours.
Should you rub Bobby’s nose for good luck?
No. The tradition is discouraged because touching can damage the statue’s protective coating.
