Greyfriars Bobby's Bar: The Story Of Scotland's Most Loyal Dog
Greyfriars Bobby Bar in Edinburgh is one of Scotland’s most iconic pubs.
Occupying the ground floor of a row of Georgian houses, Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar adjoins the historic Candlemakers' Hall, built-in 1722.
The name is inspired by Scotland's most loyal dog, Bobby, who guarded over his owner's grave for 14 years until he passed away.
Bobby belonged to John Gray, who worked for the Edinburgh City Police as a night-watchman.
According to records, policemen were obliged to have watchdogs with them.
Bobby was well cared for, and he followed Mr Gray around whilst he was at work.
When John Gray died, he was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard, the kirkyard surrounding Greyfriars Kirk in the Old Town of Edinburgh.
Bobby then became known around the world for spending the rest of his life sitting on his master's grave.
Bobby is said to have sat by the grave for an incredible 14 years, before he died in 1872.
The gardener and keeper of Greyfriars Graveyard tried to evict Bobby from the Kirkyard many times.
However, in the end, he gave up and provided Bobby with a shelter by placing some sacking between two tablestones next to Gray’s grave.
He was buried just inside the gate of Greyfriars Kirkyard, not far from John Gray's grave (pictured below).
A graveyard to Bobby was erected in Greyfriars that reads: ‘Greyfriars Bobby – died 14th January 1872 – aged 16 years – Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all‘.
The English philanthropist Lady Burdett-Coutts was charmed by the story.
So she had a drinking fountain topped with Bobby's statue built - and the statue was commissioned from the sculptor William Brodie.
This iconic pub, which is directly in front of the famous statue, was named after Bobby.
Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar has since become one of the most photographed pubs in Scotland.
It's situated in Candlemaker Row within a short stroll of Chambers Street, Grassmarket and George IV Bridge.
The pub serves classic pub food and has a long drinks menu with an extensive whisky range.
If you'd like to visit, the address is: Greyfriars Bobby's Bar, 30-34 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, EH1 2QE.
The iconic landmark has raving reviews on TripAdvisor.
One recent customer said: "Fantastic pub, lovely old décor, super staff and the food was really good.
"The lady who was running the dining area was so friendly and professional ,while it's a big tourist area it is an authentic beautiful Edinburgh pub."
Another person added: "Great pub to stop into after visiting the cemetery behind it.
"We just had drinks here to refresh. They made my daughter and I a terrific passion fruit non alcoholic drink."
The City of Edinburgh is abundantly rich in culture and history, but surely there is nothing that touches the heart like the loyalty and devotion of this wee Skye Terrier!
It's a wonderful pub to visit for your next trip to Edinburgh.
Check out more photos below:
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