WELCOME TO An Entertainment Site for Scottish Country Dancers - Enjoy the curated selection of theme-related dances for celebrations and holidays, or find a dance associated with a special calendar day, or EVEN your own birthday!
Greyfriars Bobby Day
Jan 14
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"A faithful friend, ever true."
This devoted and loyal Skye Terrier truly deserves his own strathspey! Greyfriars Bobby, a 19th-century Edinburgh icon, captured hearts far and wide by reportedly spending 14 years faithfully guarding the grave of his owner, John Gray, until his own passing on January 14, 1872. A year later, Lady Burdett-Coutts honored his devotion by commissioning a statue and fountain at the southern end of the George IV Bridge.
During John Gray’s final two years, Bobby was his steadfast companion. After Gray's death, Bobby’s unwavering vigil at his grave endeared him to many, including the Lord Provost, William Chambers. Chambers ensured Bobby’s safety by arranging for the Town Council to pay his dog license, sparing him from the dogcatcher. With a reel and circles both clockwise and anticlockwise, this dance represents Bobby's daily journey to and from the graveside of his friend.
Bobby’s touching story has been immortalized in books, films, a recent stage play, and even subtle nods in video games. The commemorative statue, crafted by William Brodie in 1872, stands proudly near Greyfriars Kirkyard. Originally a drinking fountain, it features two bronze drinking cups: an upper basin for humans and a lower one for dogs, celebrating Bobby’s enduring bond with people and animals alike.
Greyfriars Bobby is further remembered through the Greyfriars tartan, a design that honors the history and community surrounding Greyfriars Kirkyard. His legacy remains a symbol of loyalty and love. Woof! Woof! 🤎 🐕 ⛪ 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾
Greyfriar's Bobby
Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh for supposedly spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner until he died himself on the 14th of January 1872. The story continues to be well known in Scotland, through several books and films, and a prominent commemorative statue near the Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh.
The Greyfriars Bobby Fountain includes a life size statue of Greyfriars Bobby created by William Brodie in 1872. This was paid for by a local aristocrat, Baroness Burdett-Coutts, and unveiled on 15 November 1873. Originally built as a drinking fountain, it had an upper fountain for humans and a lower fountain for dogs.
Bobby's headstone reads "Greyfriars Bobby - died 14th January 1872 - aged 16 years - Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all".
For recent interesting research as to the origins of the story of Greyfriars Bobby, click collage including a Drawing Of Greyfriars Bobby By Reginald P. Phillimore c.1910, and another drawing supposedly of Bobby from real life (artist unknown).
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
