Kyle Owens

After Edinburgh Castle we explored downtown Edinburgh. What a beautiful city with so many hidden gems. I found myself having the urge to rewatch the Harry Potter movies… it’s probably because it’s here in Edinburgh where J.K. Rowling found her inspiration for the setting and characters in Harry Potter.

While exploring we fulfilled our tradition and purchased our Christmas tree ornament for Scotland. We also came across the Greyfriars Bobby statue. I’ll leave a summary of this dog’s story below and why he was give his own special memorial. Full disclosure it’s a touching story, what a good boy. Cino & Nella better take notes.

“In 1850 a gardener called John Gray arrived in Edinburgh. Unable to find work as a gardener he avoided the workhouse by joining the Edinburgh Police Force as a night watchman.
To keep him company through the long winter nights John took on a partner, a diminutive Skye Terrier, his ‘watchdog’ called Bobby. Together John and Bobby became a familiar sight trudging through the old cobbled streets of Edinburgh. Through thick and thin, winter and summer, they were faithful friends. The years on the streets appear to have taken their toll on John, as he was treated by the Police Surgeon for tuberculosis. John eventually died and was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Bobby soon touched the hearts of the local residents when he refused to leave his master’s grave, even in the worst weather conditions. For 14 years the dead man’s faithful dog kept constant watch and guard over the grave until his own death in 1872. A statue and memorial was built to remember Scotland’s most faithful dog.”Read more