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‘Greyfriars Bobby A Tale of Victorian Edinburgh’ ...
The book gives a graphic picture of the city of Edinburgh during Bobby’s lifetime. In addition to Auld Jock the character created by Eleanor Atkinson, the real life people who featured in Bobby’s life - Baroness Angela Burdett- Coutts, Lord Provost Chambers and the Traill family each have a section. The Royal Engineer who helped Bobby through his first winter - Colour Sergeant Scott is not mentioned. Although the book is aimed at children, it will also appeal to adults interested in the capital’s history. Visitors are now flooding into the capital as the Festival is coming up. If you’re planning a visit, it's worth taking a trip to North Berwick twenty miles down the coast. The scenery is stunning. The North Berwick Highland Games takes place on 7th August. added Last week we suggested ...
Unfortunately as this week's photo shows the Mad Hatter failed to follow our advice. Entries are continuing to come in for the Greyfriars Bobby Childrens’ Painting Competition. The latest batch of artwork arrived from the pupils of South Morningside Primary School, Edinburgh. This would have pleased Forbes Macgregor who wrote ‘Greyfriars Bobby The Real Story at Last’ as he was the school's headmaster. Edinburgh City Council Parks Department has approved the One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association’s proposal to hold a Floral Clock Day on 10th June 2011. Blue the Association's mascot will be on duty at the gates of Princes Street Gardens in case the Mad Hatter turns up. Photograph courtesy of Tommy Robertson, Backtracks Music. added This week’s photo shows ...
The Floral Clock was set up in West Princes Street Gardens 1903. The mechanism was installed by James Ritchie & Son the firm which designed and built the clock which fired the One o’ Clock Gun. The clock is laid out in a different design every year. Most of the Floral Clock designs dating from the early 1900’s can be seen on the One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association web site's Galleries section Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip will be visiting Edinburgh this week. The Royal Garden Party at Holyroodhouse takes place on Tuesday 13th July. Hopefully the Mad Hatter will think twice about gate-crashing the event as the Queen’s Bodyguard in Scotland - The Royal Company of Archers will be on duty. Photo courtesy of Tommy Robertson. added Greyfriars Bobby fans must have been disappointed ...
Oliver played Ewan Adams the young friend of P.C. Gray in ‘The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby’. Born in Richmond, Surrey, England, Oliver copied the Scots accent of one of his school teachers for the film. Originating in France during the 12th century, tennis quickly became popular with royalty and the aristocracy. The oldest tennis court in the world can be seen in the grounds of Falkland Palace, Fife, Scotland. The modern game played today, began about the time Bobby appeared in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Named lawn tennis by Welsh-born Major Clopton Wingfield who designed and patented nets for the new game, the sport quickly replaced croquet as the most popular outdoor pastime of the Victorian middle and upper classes. The first lawn tennis championship was played at Wimbledon, London in 1877, five years after Bobby’s death. The spectators paid one shilling each to watch the final.
added Mad Hatter having a cup of tea ...
The Mad Hatter usually stands outside Backtracks, 17 Brougham Street, Tollcross, Edinburgh which specialises in recording equipment. ‘Alice in Wonderland’ was first published in 1865 two years before Greyfriars Bobby received his new collar from the Lord Provost. Written by Lewis Carroll, the book caused a sensation when it appeared on the bookshelves and quickly became a best seller. Although it’s not known if the author visited Greyfriars Kirk when he came to Scotland in September 1871 a few months before Bobby died, he paid a visit to the home of the Dunfermline - born artist Sir Noel Paton whose work he greatly admired. Like Eleanor Atkinson’s novel ‘Greyfriars Bobby’, Alice in Wonderland’ is still as popular today as when it was first published. The photograph of the Mad Hatter was supplied by Tommy Robertson of Backtracks. added The first entries ...
Greyfriars Bobby expert Brian Beacock is also the Chairman of Good Bears of the World (UK) Trust. The organisation is worth supporting as the Trust sends out Teddy Bears to sick, injured or disturbed children, the lonely, elderly or infirm. Members receive a copy of ‘New Bear Tracks’ the Trust’s newsletter three times a year. Membership costs £10 a year (overseas £12). Details of membership can be obtained from: Mrs Alison Marsay, Membership Secretary, GBW (UK) Trust, 47 Upper Heath Road, St. Albans, Herts AL1 4DN added Two royal salutes ...
When a salute is fired the One o’ Clock Gun forms part of the saluting battery. During Bobby’s lifetime the one o’ clock time signal was extremely important as not many people could afford a watch. The sound of the old smooth bore time gun could be heard as far down the coast as North Berwick and Dunbar in East Lothian on a fine day. The One o’ Clock Gun is seen firing several times in Disney’s ‘Greyfriars Bobby’. Early on in the film as the One o’ Clock Gun booms out from the Half Moon Battery a Grassmarket resident takes a look at his pocket watch and remarks to his friend "I’m a minute slow by gun-time!" His companion who must be a visitor to the town replies, "How do you folk here ever get used to the crack o’ it? Ma heid nearly jumped off ma neck!" added Despite the drizzle.... ...
Watched by his wife Margaret, District Gunner Edward McCarthy after saying a few words pulled the cord attached to the curtains covering the plaque. With military precision Blue the One o' Clock Gun & Time Ball Association’s mascot fired his two pounder and Corporal Piper Scott played his pipes. The reception at James Ritchie & Son (watch and clockmaker) 35A Dundas Street was also a success. Sarah Boyack MSP said a few words outlining the history of the clockmaking company which dates back to 1805. Among the guests were Richard Maudslay the direct descendant of the engineering firm which manufactured the lifting machinery for the Nelson Monument time ball, Brian Beacock a familiar name to readers of the Greyfriars Bobby Magazine and Colonel Huthwaite the commanding officer of 105 Regt. R.A. (V.). The photograph taken by Richard Maudslay shows Corporal PIper Scott, Blue and Brian McKenzie the chairman of the One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association. The Nelson Monument and time ball project has been shortlisted for the Heritage Lottery's top project of 2009. Don't forget to vote before you clock off! added The unveiling of the plaque ...
The ceremony will take place at one o’clock outside 6 Brunton Place (London Road), Edinburgh where the clockmaker lived for forty years. The clockmaker would have known about Greyfriars Bobby as his uncle Robert Ritchie who lived at 28 Candlemaker Row fed and sheltered the terrier. After the plaque is unveiled by Edward McCarthy who used to fire the One o' Clock Gun, the One o' Clock Gun & Time Ball Association’s piper Pipe Major Anderson will play and the Association’s mascot Blue will fire his gun. We’ll be glad to see you on Monday if you can spare the time to come along. 105 Regt. T.A. (V.) will fire a salute from Edinburgh Castle at midday on Wednesday 2nd June to commemorate the anniversary of the coronation of H.R.H. Queen Elizabeth. added The General Assembly ...
Dr. Robert Lee was played by Arthur Shields in MGM’s ‘Challenge to Lassie’ while Greg Wise took the part of the minister of Old Greyfriars Kirk in ‘The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby’. Dr. Lee was a man ahead of his time. The congregation of Greyfriars sang hymns without musical accompaniment as Presbyterian churches were not fitted with pipe organs. In 1808 when the minister of St. Andrew’s Church in Glasgow installed an organ he immediately received an order to have the instrument removed. When Greyfriars Kirk was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire, Bobby would have heard the sound of organ music coming from the church as in addition to installing coloured glass windows Dr. Lee took the opportunity to install a harmonium which was later replaced by a pipe organ in 1865. ‘The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby’ DVD is now available at the Tartan Weaving Mill on the Castlehill. The Mill which consists of five storeys is well worth a visit as it shows how tartan is made from the shearing of the sheep to the finished product. Visitors can also have their photograph taken in full Highland dress with bagpipes and a broadsword. added Assembly Hall ...
When the Lord High Commissioner leaves Holyroodhouse for the Assembly Hall on the Mound, a twenty one gun salute will be fired from the Mills Mount Battery at Edinburgh Castle. During the 1860s when Bobby roamed the graveyard and Dr. Lee was the minister of Old Greyfriars Kirk, the Assembly met in Victoria Hall on Castlehill. Dr. Lee was Chaplain-in-ordinary to the Queen and also Dean of the Chapel Royal of Holyroodhouse. Bobby must have been puzzled when he heard the twenty one gun salute thundering out from the Castle to mark the start of the annual gathering which lasts for a week. The box to receive the entries for the Greyfriars Bobby Childrens Painting Competition is now at the Central Children’s Library, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh. The deadline for entries is Saturday 11th September 2010. The engraving shows the Victoria Hall as it looked in Greyfriars Bobby's time. The engraving was taken from Cassell's 'Old and New Edinburgh' by James Grant. added Welcome the 3rd Rifles back ...
As the riflemen marched past the City Chambers, the salute was taken by the regiment’s Colonel- in- Chief Princess Alexandra. 150 years ago when the Seaforth Highlanders arrived in Edinburgh following service in India, thousands lined the route from the Waverley Station to Edinburgh Castle to welcome them. During a banquet held in the Grassmarket Corn Exchange, the officers and men were presented with their campaign medals by Lady Havelock. Although Eleanor Atkinson did not mention the name of the regiment in her novel ‘Greyfriars Bobby’ the Seaforths were the only Highland regiment stationed at the Castle during the terrier’s lifetime. The Corn Exchange was demolished in 1969. added Death of Beauty ...
Wednesday 5th May marks the anniversary of the death of Beauty who is also buried in the cemetery. The beautiful little terrier who had been given to the Great Lafayette by Harry Houdini slept on velvet cushions and wore a collar of pure gold studded with diamonds. The Geat Lafayette came to Edinburgh to play at the Empire Theatre, Nicolson Street in 1911. While staying at the Caledonian Hotel at the city’s west end, Beauty died of apoplexy due to over eating. Lafayette was grief sticken and arranged to have the terrier embalmed and buried in Piershill Cemetery. While the illusionist was appearing at the Empire, the theatre caught fire and Lafayette perished in the flames. Following Lafayette's instructions, Beauty’s coffin was re-opened and the great entertainer’s ashes placed beside the body of his four-footed friend. The photograph courtesy of the Museum of Fire shows the horse-drawn hearse taking the Great Lafayette's ashes to be placed in Beauty's coffin. added Greyfriars Bobby’ exhibition was opened ...
To advertise the event, the Association's Chairman Brian McKenzie with mascot Blue and Pipe Major Anderson marched from Prestonpan’s war memorial in the main street to the Library. Photographers from the ‘East Lothian Courier’ and ‘The East Lothian News’ were on hand to record the event. In his opening speech Ian who was accompanied by his wife emphasised the importance of Greyfriars Bobby and the One o’ Clock Gun to the capital’s history. The photograph of Pipe Major Anderson, Iain Gray MSP, Blue and Brian was taken by John Lovie. The exhibition will run for four weeks. added Skye is back ...
Bobby a West Highland terrier played the part of P.C. Gray’s dog in ‘The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby’ released in 2005 by Piccadilly Films. Unlike the real Bobby, in the movie the terrier makes his way back to Greyfriars Kirkyard from Dunbar in East Lothian encountering a Highland stag and catching a salmon on the way. Iain Gray MSP will open the ‘Colour Sergeant Scott & Greyfriars Bobby’ exhibition at Prestonpans, Library, East Lothian on Saturday 24th April at 10.30 am. The One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association’s mascot Blue will be on parade with his cannon. If you're in the area we'd be glad to see you. added Tourists from all over the world ...
The sight of the small dog must have brought back memories to Colour Sergeant Scott who had stayed on in Edinburgh after leaving the Army of the days when he lodged at no. 28 Candlemaker Row as he passed Bobby’s statue, especially when he heard the One o’ Clock Gun firing from the Castle. Donald would have been able to drink from the metal cup attached to the fountain by a chain as it was not removed until 1957 due to health regulations. Sculptor William Brodie’s statue is a faithful likeness of the world famous dog as can be seen from photographs of the Skye terrier. added The queues for tickets ...
This week’s photo shows Alistair Colquhoun who brought along the souvenir programme issued for the Scottish premiere of Disney’s ‘Greyfriars Bobby’ for the opening of the ‘Colour Sergeant Scott & Greyfriars Bobby’ exhibition presently running at Linlithgow Library. In the 1960’s Alistair’s father Alexander Colquhoun was sales manager for the Walt Disney Company in Scotland. Prior to the premiere Mr Colquhoun brought the star of the film home with him. During the terrier’s four day stay, Alistair took the dog for walks in the Pentlands. The photograph of Alistair with the souvenir programme is reproduced by permission of the Linlithgow Gazette. added Thanks to the good weather ...
Michael Connarty MP who opened the exhibition is not only a historian, but a fan of Eleanor Atkinson’s best selling novel featuring the world famous dog. The One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association’s Chairman Brian McKenzie and Blue accompanied by Pipe Major Anderson announced the opening of the exhibition to the Royal Burgh’s residents, by marching from the Kirkgate to the Library to the sound of the pipes. Among the guests at the reception were local residents Mr and Mrs Colquhoun who brought along copy of the souvenir programme issued for the premiere of Walt Disney’s ‘Greyfriars Bobby’ held in the Caley Picture House, Lothian Road, Edinburgh in 1961. The photograph of Blue showing Michael Connarty how to fire a cannon was taken by John Lovie. The exhibition can be seen at Linlithgow Library until April 17th before moving to Prestonpans Library, East Lothian for a four week run. added The Greyfriars Bobby exhibition ...
According to local legend the greyhound saved her master from starving to death following his exile to an island on Linlithgow Loch after being found guilty of murder. Every day the loyal greyhound would swim across to the island with food in her mouth to keep the marooned man shackled to a tree alive. Locals from the town are known as Black Bitches and the greyhound is shown on the Royal Burgh’s coat-of-arms. Blue the One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association’s mascot will be firing his cannon at the opening. Photograph by John Lovie. added Six Brunton Place, Edinburgh ...
Frederick James Ritchie designed the clock which fired Greyfriars Bobby's dinner-time signal - the One o' Clock Gun. His son James followed in his father's footsteps by designing the world's first floral clock which can be seen in West Princes Street Gardens. Sue Thompson the proprietor of number six has approved of the design for a plaque stating that Frederick James Ritchie lived at 6 Brunton Place for forty years. Sue who is an architect has carefully restored the house making it an ideal place to stay if you’re planning a visit to Edinburgh. Details can be found on www.sixbruntonplace.com. The ‘Edinburgh Evening News’ featured One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball committee member Kit Lovie’s idea for a statue of ten year old Robert Louis Stevenson in Saturday’s edition. The committee will be meeting North Berwick Community Council to discuss the project on Tuesday. The Greyfriars Bobby exhibition is still running at Whitburn Library, West Lothian. added The Seaforth Highlanders ...
‘The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby’ released in 2005 which portrayed Bobby as a belonging to Police Constable John Gray of the Edinburgh City Police Force also portrayed the terrier's best friend Colour Sergeant Scott of the Royal Engineers as a Seaforth Highlander. In the 1880’s when the Seaforths returned to Scotland after service abroad in India, Afghanistan and Egypt, the Highland regiment was accompanied by Pat an Irish terrier who had belonged to one of the officers. When Pat died the terrier was buried in the Dog’s Cemetery at Edinburgh Castle. Pat’s headstone reads: ‘In Memory of Pat who followed the 72nd Highlanders in peace and war for 10 years, Died 9th March 1888. A painting of Pat can be seen on the One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association’s website: www.1oclockgun.org added Robert Louis Stevenson’s ... Robert Louis Stevenson’s father Kit Lovie a committee member of the One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association who lives in the town has suggested that a statue of ten year old Robert Louis Stevenson and Coolin be placed in the Lodge Grounds, North Berwick. The proposal has been sent to Alan J. Blackie the Chief Executive of East Lothian Council. Robert Louis Stevenson was familiar with the story of Greyfriars Bobby as he was a friend of Wilson McLaren who helped to bury Greyfriars Bobby. The Association’s ‘Colour Sergeant Scott & Greyfriars Bobby’ exhibition is now running at Whitburn Library. The exhibition will go on to Linlithgow and Prestonpans Libraries after its run at Whitburn. added Rob Bolton and Les Howie’s ...
Rob Bolton and Les Howie’s new book ‘Wilder than Panthers and as ignorant as the Heathens’ tells the story of the juvenile organisations which led to the formation of the Boys’ Brigade. The well illustrated book contains a chapter on Catherine Sinclair who founded the Ulbster Juvenile Volunteers. Like Baroness Burdett- Coutts, Catherine was socially aware, using the money she made from writing children’s books to help animals and the poor. In addition to paying for a drinking fountain which stood at the west end of Princes Street, she opened an eating house in George IV Bridge. Attracted by the smell of cooking, Bobby would have probably popped in for a bite to eat. The extremely interesting book costs £10.00 plus £2.00 p & p. is available from: Rob Bolton, 116 Aldridge Road, Little Aston, Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 0PF. Cheques should be made payable to: ‘R. Bolton’. The Greyfriars Bobby exhibition opens at Whitburn Library, West Lothian on 23rd February before moving on to Linlithgow in March. added The photograph shows the Hotel Missoni ...
Both the Royal Medical Society and the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce had their headquarters in the thoroughfare. In 1858 the year Bobby is said to have appeared in Greyfriars Kirkyard, a proposal by Edinburgh businessman John Hewat that a gun be placed on the Calton Hill and fired at one o’ clock was approved by the members of the Chamber of Commerce. When the One o’Clock Gun was set up on the Half Moon Battery at Edinburgh Castle in 1861, Bobby used the sound of the gun as a signal to go for his dinner at Currie's Eating House, 6 Greyfriars Place. Six years later‘The Scotsman’ reported the story turning Bobby into a national celebrity. Photograph courtesy of the Hotel Missoni. added Edinburgh Rock ...
Edinburgh Rock was invented by Alexander Ferguson. Known as ‘Sweetie Sandy’ he was born in Doune, Perthshire. As a boy Sandy loved to make sweeties in tins and pots. Although his father apprenticed him to a joiner, Sandy headed for Glasgow where he got a job in a confectioner’s before moving to Edinburgh. His shop was situated at no. 1 Melbourne Place which was then an extension of George IV Bridge. Queen Victoria loved Ferguson’s sweets and the confectionery company was appointed supplier to her Majesty. Like many of the children living in the Greyfriars area, John Traill’s son and daughter Alexander and Eliza Ann would have probably headed for Ferguson’s when they got their pocket money. Ferguson’s made confectionery in the shop until 1959. The Hotel Missoni now stands on the spot where Edinburgh Rock was invented. added A ceremonial salute ...
During Greyfriars Bobby’s lifetime, salutes were fired from the fortress’s Half Moon Battery. When a salute was fired, the sound of the guns firing from the fortress must have puzzled Bobby as the terrier used the sound of the Castle’s time gun to go for his dinner. Queen Victoria loved dogs, especially Scots terriers. She must have known a lot about the Bobby as her close friend Angela Burdett-Coutts came to Greyfriars Kirkyard to see the terrier. Dr Lee the minister of Greyfriars was also the Queen’s Chaplain when she was in residence at Holyroodhouse. Gourlay Steell the Queen’s official animal artist in Scotland also produced a painting of Bobby. added Sunday 31st January ...
The Edinburgh-born artist’s studio was situated at 123 George Street. ‘The Scotsman’ article published on April 13th 1867 which brought Bobby to the public’s attention mentioned that ‘while sitting for his portrait in Mr Steell’s studio, Bobby, on hearing the report of the time-gun - his usual call to dinner got quite excited, and refused to be pacified until supplied with his midday meal’. Commissioned by Patrick Dudgeon the painting was exhibited in the North Room at the Royal Scottish Academy’s annual exhibition the following year. Appointed Animal Painter to her Majesty for Scotland following the death of Sir Edwin Landseer, the artist produced animal portraits for Queen Victoria until he died in 1894. Gourlay Steell is buried in Morningside Cemetery, Edinburgh. If the painting of Bobby still exists it may be in the hands of a private collector. added Despite the freezing weather ...
Just before the time gun fired from the Castle at one, the One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association’s Chairman Brian McKenzie said a few words on the close connection between Colour Sergeant Scott and Bobby. Following the time signal, the Association’s mascot Blue laid a wreath on Bobby’s resting place while Pipe Major Anderson played a lament. The ceremony was covered by Scottish Television and featured on the channel’s news programme that night. Next year’s ceremony will be a special occasion as 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the setting up of the One o’ Clock Gun which Bobby used as a time signal to go for his dinner. Photograph courtesy of David Rintoul. added Friday 15th January ...
A close friend of Queen Victoria, the Baroness supported the SSPCA in its campaign to improve the conditions of the city’s working horses and paid for Greyfriars Bobby’s drinking fountain. Even during Bobby’s lifetime, the terrier’s background remained a mystery. According to James Brown the kirk's gardener, Bobby appeared in Greyfriars Churchyard on a day when a number of funerals took place. When the Baroness came to Edinburgh in 1869 she tried to find out the identity of Bobby’s master. Informed that the dog had belonged to Robert Gray an old soldier, she applied to the Council for a monument to be set up in Greyfriars Churchyard. The monument was never erected. Bobby’s memorial service takes place on Thursday the 14th. If you can make it we’d be glad to see you. Our Chairman, Brian McKenzie kitted out as Colour Sergeant Scott and our mascot Blue will both be on parade. added As expected, ...
It’s now less than two weeks till Greyfriars Bobby Day. The Lord Provost unfortunately has a previous engagement scheduled for the 14th but sends apologies for his absence and best wishes for the event. The One o’Clock Gun & Time Ball Association has a full programme lined up for 2010 including a James Ritchie & Son exhibition scheduled to run during the Edinburgh Festival at the clockmaking company’s premises at 35a Dundas Street. The committee is already planning this year’s Greyfriars Bobby Walk to mark World Animal Day on October 4th and is hoping to get permission from Historic Scotland to start the walk from the Castle Esplanade. added Thousands of visitors will ...
Sergeant Shannon the District Gunner will be firing Mons Meg at midnight on Hogmanay as Brian McKenzie the Chairman of the One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association drops the time ball on the Nelson Monument. The Association’s mascot Blue won’t be at the monument to assist Brian as he’s on holiday in Buckie. If you’re on the Calton Hill to see the fireworks don’t hesitate to wish Brian a happy New Year. When Greyfriars Bobby was alive the citizens gathered at the Tron Kirk to welcome the New Year. They would then go first footing which meant visiting their friends and relations to wish them a happy New Year. All the best for 2010. added Winter Wonderland Ice Rink ...
In 1868, the year after Greyfriars Bobby was licenced thanks to Lord Provost Chambers, Edinburgh was hit by a hurricane. A section of Heriot’s School grounds was flooded, turning the ice covered asphalt into a skating rink. The boys also built a snow house which was used to punish clypes. Informers found guilty of telling tales to the teachers were frog-marched into the snow-built roofless prison and pelted with snowballs. For details of the city’s festive events click on: edinburghschristmas.com Have a good Christmas! added A marquee containing stalls ...
During the 19th century Wombwell’s Menagerie came to the Grassmarket every year for the festive season. The animals must have got a fright when the One o’ Clock Gun was fired from the Half Moon Battery. Born in Edinburgh, Wombwell’s famous lion Wallace can still be seen as he was stuffed after he died and placed in Saffron Walden Museum, Essex. Although Greyfriars Bobby probably saw lions, tigers and zebras as he would have been taken down the Grassmarket by John Traill’s children when the travelling zoo arrived, he wouldn’t have seen Wallace as the first lion to be born in the U.K. died twenty years before the terrier arrived at Greyfriars Kirkyard. added Ceremony to commemorate the death of Greyfriars Bobby ...
Animal lovers wishing to attend should gather at Bobby’s memorial stone at 12.30 pm. A buffet will be held after the ceremony in the Conference Room, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh. When the ceremony was held last year it was a great success getting media coverage in the national press and a slot on Scottish Television News. Animal lovers wishing to attend the buffet following the ceremony should contact: george.e.robinson@btinternet.com The Association’s mascot Blue will be laying a wreath and our piper Pipe Major Anderson will be playing a lament. The event will be supervised by our Chairman Brian MacKenzie kitted out as Colour Sergeant Scott. added Edinburgh’s new tram ...
When the city’s original tram route was set up in the 1870’s the German built double-decker trams were pulled by teams of horses. The Edinburgh Street Tramways Company began packing the trams with passengers to make a bigger profit placing a tremendous strain on the hard working teams. Baroness Burdett-Coutts who commissioned Greyfriars Bobby’s drinking fountain supported the S.S.P.C.A.’s campaign to bring the public’s attention to the shocking situation. Although a section of the tram line ran along Lauriston Place past the Traill household at Keir Street, Bobby would probably never have seen a horse-drawn tram as the terrier died a couple of months after the first section of the line had been laid. added Smith’s Land tenement disaster ...
When the massive seven-storey building which stood in the High Street collapsed on Sunday 24th November 1861, the noise would have been heard all over the Old Town including the Greyfriars district. The enquiry following the disaster led to the demolition of the Old Town’s slum properties. The disaster was portrayed in ‘The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby’. A sculptured head of one of the survivors can be seen above the entry to Paisley's Close, 101 High Street. Mark Lazarowicz M.P, opened the Clockie Ritchie exhibition at Leith Library on Saturday. Andrew Laing the director of Laing’s Foundry has loaned the Association several items from the old time ball for the exhibition. The artwork from the children’s Greyfriars Bobby painting competition held earlier in the year is now on display at Leith Library. The exhibition runs until 14th December. added The Clockie Ritchie exhibition ...
Any member of the public bringing along a Ritchie watch will be invited to the buffet. Photos and a report of the Greyfriars Bobby walk organised by the One o’Clock Gun & Time Ball Association in October to publicise World Animal Day can now be seen on the WAD website. Celebrating World Animal Day is fast becoming increasingly popular, events were held in towns and cities in over seventy countries this year. Click on to www.worldanimalday.org.uk to find out on how to go about organising a dog walk through your own town to celebrate World Animal Day 2010. added Mons Meg is presently under repair ...
Eleanor Atkinson featured the giant gun in her novel ‘Greyfriars Bobby’. In the novel Colour Sergeant Scott picks Bobby up and places him on the barrel. The gun will be fired at Hogmanay to welcome the new year. A bench was unveiled on Sunday in the Grassmarket to the memory of Private Charles Kennedy. The soldier who won the V.C. during the South African War was killed while attempting to stop a runaway horse and cart heading towards pedestrians in Leith Walk. Private Kennedy is buried in Merchiston Cemetery, Edinburgh. A buffet was held in the Beehive Inn following the ceremony. added Blackfriars Bobby ...
The distributor has apologised for the error and has promised to rectify the mistake when the map is reprinted. This is not the first time that Bobby’s been re-coloured as his statue has been painted yellow in the past. Bobby’s statue has also been kidnapped by students and his drinking fountain damaged by careless drivers. Wednesday November the fourth marks the anniversary of the death of Eleanor Atkinson the author of the novel ‘Greyfriars Bobby’. Eleanor’s beautifully crafted book is timeless and continues to attract thousands of visitors to the Scottish capital. added Battlefield tour guide Norry Hughes ...
Bob the regiment’s mascot took part in the battles against the Russians and now sits in a glass case in the National War Museum of Scotland at Edinburgh Castle. The brave dog's story is featured on the Greyfriars Bobby website ‘Dogs from History’ section. Norry’s book ‘A Voice From The Ranks of the Scots Guards’ contains a chapter on the famous dog and is available from Waterstones bookshops. The ‘James Ritchie & Son Clockmakers 1809 -2009 ‘ exhibition is continuing to attract a lot of attention at Edinburgh’s Central Library and will be moving to Leith Library next month. As the U.K.'s clocks had to be changed at the weekend, the firm was featured in the Edinburgh 'Evening News'. added The opening of the ‘James Ritchie & Son 1809-2009’ exhibition ...
One o’Clock Gun & Time Ball Association member D.R. Watt whose mother belonged to the Ritchie family was also present. When D.R.’s mother Catherine was a child she was featured on the firm’s logo. Sarah Boyack MSP in her introduction said that she was surprised that this was the first time an exhibition featuring the firm had been set up as ‘Clockie’ Ritchie’s had such a famous history. The Association’s hardworking catering team’s first class buffet was much appreciated by the guests. The Greyfriars Bobby exhibition is now running at Leith Library. Admiral Nelson's famous signal will be flown from the Nelson Monument on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. added The ‘James Ritchie & Son ...
The exhibition will be opened by Sarah Boyack MSP. Sarah will be assisted by Blue Lovie the One o' Clock Gun & Time Ball Association’s mascot who will fire his cannon. The world famous clockmaking firm was founded at the turn of the 19th century and is still in business. James Ritchie and Son is linked with Greyfriars Bobby as the firm was responsible for designing and maintaining the clocks which supplied the time to the One o’ Clock Gun. Full colour postcards of Blue and Colour Sergeant Scott at Greyfriars Bobby's drinking fountain are now available. added World Animal Day Walk ...
The procession left Bum’s statue bang on time escorted by the Lothians & Border Police. The walkers and their pets led by Sarah Boyack MSP, Brian McKenzie and Blue accompanied by our piper Pipe Major Anderson marched through the Grassmarket at a cracking pace reaching Greyfriars Kirkyard in record time. Sarah said a few words at Bobby’s memorial stone and photographs were taken. The Association would like to thank Morag Stevenson of the City of Edinburgh Council events department, the Parks department and the Lothians & Border Police for their help and guidance in arranging the event. Photograph by Gavin Lovie. added Just a few days to go ...
It’s appropriate that the walk should proceed through the Grassmarket as in addition to the livestock markets held in the area, Wombwell’s Menagerie came up from England during the festive season so Bobby must have seen lions and tigers as he trotted past the cages. Norma Lynn Devlin of the Beehive Restaurant who has a first hand knowledge of the rules and regulations needed to put on an event is helping us to liase with the shops and pubic houses on the route. Hoping to see you and your pet at half past one on Sunday 4th October at Bum’s statue. added Only two weeks to go ...
...to the World Animal Day Walk on Sunday 4th October. Tell your friends and neighbours to bring their pets and assemble at Bum’s statue in West Princes Street Gardens (King’s Stables Road) at 1.30 pm. If possible, pet owners should turn up wearing Victorian dress. If you don’t feel like wearing the full rig out, a top hat, bowler hat or deerstalker would do. Highland dress would also be appropriate. A bonnet and shawl would be ideal for female walkers. If you’re bringing your dog don’t forget to bring a plastic bag as the Parks Department has instructed us to keep the assembly area as tidy as we found it. During the walk pets should be kept on leads for their own safety as well as the public’s. added The media campaign ...
An ‘Evening News’ photographer took shots of our Chairman Brian McKenzie kitted out as Colour Sergeant Scott and our mascot Blue, while Association member Gavin Lovie photographed the pawky pair at Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse and Greyfriars Bobby’s drinking fountain. The students from Edinburgh College of Art will be taking part in the Walk on October 4th, while media expert Liz Summerfield is helping the One o’Clock Gun & Time Ball Association committee to co-ordinate the event. A hedgehog will be taking part in the Walk as art student Alis Bodgener will be bringing along her prickly pet. added We’ve received good wishes ...
When the Club members walked from the Castle to Greyfriars Kirk last year via George IV Bridge, the Skyes were much admired and praised for their good behaviour so we’re hoping they’ll be on parade on the 4th. Animal lovers wishing to take part in this year’s Walk should assemble with their pets at Bum’s statue at the west end of Princes Street Gardens at 1.30 pm. added World Animal Day ...
Every country in the world takes part in the annual event. Check out the WAD website Sunday 6th September marks the anniversary of the death of Edmund Gwenn who played John Traill in ‘Challenge to Lassie’. Born in Wandsworth, London only five years after Greyfriars Bobby died, the film actor has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. added We’ve received the green light ...
The Walk was carried out successfully last year from Edinburgh Castle Esplanade to Greyfriars Kirk by the Skye Terrier Club. The photograph shows one of the Club members dressed as P.C. John Gray. This year the Walk will assemble in King’s Stables Road and proceed through the Grassmarket to Greyfriars Kirk to mark World Animal Day. We're hoping that pet lovers will dress in Victorian costume just as the Skye Terrier Club members did last year to make the Walk a colourful occasion. Blue the One o’Clock Gun & Time Ball Asscn’s mascot is back from his holidays You can read Blue’s blog on: www.bluelovie.co.uk added Original Export ...
We're now working on a time ball exhibition which will be set up at the Central Library in October. The scaffolding's now coming down on the Nelson Monument as the refurbishment project's coming to an end. If you’re visiting Edinburgh for the Festival take a trip to North Berwick if you've time. The view of the Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth is stunning. The seaside town which is only twenty five miles from the capital has first class bus and train connections. The photograph of the Lodge Grounds at North Berwick showing the outdoor aviary was taken by John Lovie. added The Edinburgh International Festival ...
If you’re visiting the capital during the Festival take a look at the Greyfriars Bobby exhibition at the Edinburgh Room, Central Library, George IV Bridge before going on to photograph Bobby’s drinking fountain. You can also buy a bite to eat at ‘Better Baguettes’ at 6 Greyfriars Place the shop where Bobby was fed by John Traill. The time ball should be ready for operation in a couple of weeks time. John and Kit Lovie are now on holiday at Portsoy near Banff. So if you see a couple of holidaymakers with small dog which looks like Greyfriars Bobby walking along the main street or having a picnic on the beach stop and have a chat. added Greyfriars Bobby exhibition ...
The shop at Greyfriars Place where Bobby was fed has been acquired by Better Baguettes a fast food company. Although the manager Jason Eccles did not realise that the world famous dog had been connected with the shop when the company acquired the premises, he is now well aware of it's unique history and intends bringing the connection to the public’s attention. The Royal Regiment of Scotland opened at the Mitchell Library, Glasgow last Friday. The exhibition is well worth a visit as it features the ceremonial uniform worn by the Royal Jocks. The exhibition runs until Saturday, 22nd August. added The shop at 6 Greyfriars Place ...
The premises were taken over in 1862 by John Traill. As the terrier first appeared from nowhere four years previously, Bobby may also have been fed by the former owner. Vernon Dixon the set dresser who won three Academy Awards for his work on the musical ‘Oliver!’. ‘Nicholas and Alexandra’ and ‘Barry Lyndon’ recreated John Traill’s dining room for the Walt Disney film ‘Greyfriars Bobby’. For the film which was shot at Shepperton Studios, the set for the shop was transferred to Candlemaker Row. The set for Greyfriars Kirk cost £15,000 to build - a lot of money in the 1960’s. When the takeaway opens, visitors to Bobby’s resting place may soon be able to pop in for a Bobby Baguette. added Scotland’s event of the year ...
The year of the Homecoming opened with the Greyfriars Bobby ceremony held in Greyfriars Kirkyard in January. The ceremony was presided over by Stuart Wilson of the One o’clock Gun Association, while Blue the Association’s mascot laid a wreath at Bobby’s memorial stone. Although Blue will not be at the Gathering as his kilt is at the cleaners, Stuart known to the inhabitants of the Royal Mile as Big Stew will be present. He’s easy to spot, so if you see him in the Park, please do not hesitate to stop and have a chat. added Chief Master Gunner Findlay ...
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Greyfriars Bobby expert ...
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The entries ...
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Tuesday 23rd June...
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Brian McKenzie...
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Monday 8th June ...
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One o'clock Gun Association Chairman Stuart Wilson...
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Entries are coming in...
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The Greyfriars Bobby Exhibition...
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The Regimental Band ...
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The Greyfriars Bobby Visitor Centre...
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The Edinburgh time ball...
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The One o'clock Gun Association's...
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The Edinburgh Town Guardhouse...
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Open Weekend...
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The One o'clock Gun Exhibition...
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GREYFRIARS TWISTED TALES...
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We have asked Blue...
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Hello Readers...
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Visiting Edinburgh...
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It's been quite a week, Folks...
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Newsletter ...
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Hi Folks...
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Hi Folks,...
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Hi Folks...
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Hi Folks,...
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It's been some week, folks...
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Dear Folks...
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Dear Folks...
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Dear Folks......
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Happy New Year, folks......
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Hi Folks,...
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Monday 15th December......
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The Christmas tree lights...... ......have now been switched on in the Grassmarket. The ceremony was performed by Grassmarket resident Mrs. Gordon who has seen many changes in the area over the years. The festive procession was led by four torchbearers followed by the drummers of the Edinburgh Samba School. The boys and girls from Tollcross, The Royal Mile and Sciennes primary schools carrying lanterns also took part. Carols were sung around the Christmas tree and slices from a huge mince pie baked by the chefs of Mamma's Pizza distributed. The Christmas edition of the Greyfriars Bobby newsletter is now out. In addition to an interesting article on the Greyfriars Bobby Bar, Blue the One o'clock Gun Association's mischievous mascot is featured on the cover. John Lovie's wife Kit who looks after Blue is delighted that his leg is returning to normal.
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In addition to the extensive pavement ...... ......and road repair works being carried out, Edinburgh's streets are being prepared for the capital's new tram system. Scheduled to be operating by 2011, a full scale model of the tram of the future is to be shown to the public early next year. One of the suggestions put forward is for a tartan tram. Edinburgh's first tramway system was set up in 1871. During the Victorian period the trams were drawn by teams of horses before being converted to the cable system. A section of the network ran along Lauriston Place past Heriot's to Tollcross. Greyfriars Bobby's friend, Angela Burdett-Coutts supported the S.S.P.C.A. in its campaign to ensure that the horses were treated humanely.
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The work on...... ......the Grassmarket is on schedule. The progress of the project has been monitored by Skye who lives with the caretaker of the sheltered housing complex at Thomson's Court. The white Westie sits at the laundry room window on the ground floor watching the world go by. Take a look out for her when you visit the capital.
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The Museum of Fire......
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November 17th......
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At Greyfriars Kirk......
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In addition to Bobby's drinking fountain......
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A photographic exhibition......
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Tuesday November 4th......
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In the winter, Edinburgh......
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Lauriston United Presbyterian Church......
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Brian John Beacock......
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The One o'clock Gun Association......
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The One o'clock Gun Association.......
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November events Greyfriars Kirk......
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Fashion Exhibition......
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The shop at 6 Greyfriars Place......
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The One o' clock Gun Association's mascot Blue...
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‘Greyfriars Bobby A Tale of Victorian Edinburgh’ by Frances and Gordon Jarvie is well worth getting.
Last week we suggested that the Mad Hatter should avoid gate-crashing the Royal Garden Party as the Queen’s Bodyguard in Scotland the Royal Company of Archers would be on duty.
This week’s photo shows the Mad Hatter at the Floral Clock waiting for the capital's cuckoo to pop out his bird box.
Greyfriars Bobby fans must have been disappointed when Oliver Golding got knocked out of the Wimbledon junior semi-finals last week.
This week’s photograph shows the Mad Hatter having a cup of tea next to Greyfriars Bobby’s drinking fountain.
The first entries for the Greyfriars Bobby Children’s Painting Competition have arrived at the Central Children's Library, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh from the pupils of Strathblane Primary and from Cleland Library, Motherwell.
Two royal salutes were fired from Edinburgh Castle last Thursday and Saturday to celebrate H.R.H. Prince Phillip’s birthday and commemorate the Queen’s official birthday.
Despite the drizzle, the ceremony to unveil the plaque to the memory of Frederick James Ritchie the clockmaker who designed the clock which fired the One o’ Clock Gun took place bang on time.
The unveiling of the plaque to commemorate Frederick James Ritchie who designed the clock which fired the One o’ Clock Gun takes place on Monday 7th June.
The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is now meeting daily at the Assembly Hall on the Mound.
The ceremony to announce the opening of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland takes place on Thursday 20th May.
Thousands lined the route along the Royal Mile last Saturday to welcome the 3rd Rifles back to Edinburgh having just returned from active service in Afghanistan.
Colour Sergeant Scott who fed Greyfriars Bobby is buried in Piershill Cemetery, Edinburgh.
The One o' Clock Gun & Time Ball Association's ‘Colour Sergeant Scott & Greyfriars Bobby’ exhibition was opened at Prestonpans Library, East Lothian by Iain Gray MSP.
Skye is back at her post keeping an eye on the comings and goings in the Grassmarket from her ground floor office window. The West Highland terrier who is registered with the Kennel Club belongs to Elizabeth Edgar the caretaker of the Thomson’s Court sheltered housing complex.
Tourists from all over the world continue to flock to Edinburgh to visit Greyfriars Bobby’s memorial stone and drinking fountain. When Bobby’s statue was unveiled in 1873 it was done without pomp or ceremony.
The queues for tickets for the Castle stretched all the way down the fortress’s esplanade during the Easter weekend while Greyfriars Bobby’s drinking fountain was surrounded by visitors from every part of the planet taking photographs of the world famous dog.
Thanks to the good weather, the opening of the ‘Colour Sergeant Scott & Greyfriars Bobby’ exhibition at Linlithgow Library last Saturday was a great success.
The Greyfriars Bobby exhibition will be opened at Linlithgow Library by Michael Connarty MP at 10.30 am on Saturday 27th March.
Like Edinburgh, Linlithgow also has a famous dog.
Six Brunton Place, Edinburgh the residence of Frederick James Ritchie the managing director of James Ritchie & Son is now a luxury guest house.
The Seaforth Highlanders were stationed at Edinburgh Castle in the 1860’s.
loved dogs and the family had a Skye terrier called Coolin. The Stevensons spent their summer holidays at North Berwick, East Lothian.
The photograph shows the Hotel Missoni, George IV Bridge mentioned in last week’s blog. A plaque on the wall states that the building stands on the spot formerly known as Melbourne Place.
A ceremonial salute to mark the anniversary of the accession of HM The Queen will be fired from the Mills Mount Battery, Edinburgh Castle on Saturday 6th February.
Sunday 31st January marks the anniversary of the death of Gourlay Steell who painted Greyfriars Bobby.
Despite the freezing weather, the ceremony to mark the death of Greyfriars Bobby on January 14th was fairly well attended.
Friday 15th January marks the anniversary of Baroness Burdett-Coutts being awarded the Freedom of the City of Edinburgh. Lord Provost Cowan presented the Baroness with the silver casket in 1874, the first woman to receive the honour.
As expected, a record number of visitors arrived in Edinburgh during the festive season.
Thousands of visitors will be flocking to the capital now that Christmas is over to see the finest firework display in the U.K. and to bring in the New Year.
Visitors coming to Edinburgh during the festive season shouldn’t miss the opportunity of hiring a pair of skates and taking a spin round the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink in East Princes Street Gardens to get themselves into the Christmas spirit.
A marquee containing stalls selling quality Christmas gifts including clogs made by Scotland’s only remaining clogmaker will be set up in the Grassmarket from Thursday the 17th until the 22nd of December.
The One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association has received permission from Edinburgh City Council to hold a ceremony on January 14th in Greyfriars Kirkyard to commemorate the death of Greyfriars Bobby.
The first section of Edinburgh’s new tram line has been laid along Princes Street. 
Tuesday marks the anniversary of the Smith’s Land tenement disaster.
The Clockie Ritchie exhibition will be opened by Mark Lazarowicz MP at 10.30 am Saturday 21st at Leith Library, Ferry Road.
as one of the wheels has been damaged due to the weight of the massive barrel and carriage.
The Edinburgh ‘Evening News’ reported last week that Bobby’s drinking fountain has been changed from Greyfriars Bobby to Blackfriars Bobby due to a misprint on a tourist map published for Edinburgh City Council. Unfortunately 600,000 copies of the map have been distributed to hotels and guest houses in the Lothians.
who lives in the Crimea has brought out his account of the part the Scots Fusilier Guards played in the Crimean War.
The opening of the ‘James Ritchie & Son 1809-2009’ exhibition went very well. The managing director Alan Wilson and a few of the firm’s former employees attended the opening.
The ‘James Ritchie & Son Clockmakers 1809-2009’ exhibition to mark the firm’s 200th anniversary will open at the Central Library, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh on Saturday 17th October at 10.30 am.
The Association’s walk to mark World Animal Day was a success as the weather turned out to be sunny and bright.
Just a few days to go to World Animal Day. Although the First Minister is unable to take part, the Rt Hon Alex Salmond has sent the One o’Clock Gun & Time Ball Association his best wishes for the event.
The media campaign to advertise World Animal Day was launched outside Jennie Ha’s pub in the Royal Mile on Sunday morning.
...from Gail Marshall, Secretary of the Skye Terrier Club for the Greyfriars Bobby Walk on Sunday 4th October to mark World Animal Day. 
...is only a few weeks away. In addition to the Greyfriars Bobby Walk, the pupils of Auchinairn Primary School. Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire, Scotland will be dressing up as animals when they go to assembly.
We’ve received the green light from the Lothian & Borders Police for the Greyfriars Bobby Walk on Sunday 4th October.
The exhibition ‘The Original Export’ presently running at the National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh tells the story of the pioneer Scots who left their native land and emigrated to various parts of the British Empire. The exhibition is well worth a visit while the Greyfriars Bobby exhibition across the road in the Central Library is continuing to attract a lot of visitors.
The Edinburgh International Festival kicked off on Sunday with the Cavalcade in the Queen’s Park.
...can now be seen at the Edinburgh Room, Central Library, Edinburgh to publicise World Animal Day which takes place on Sunday, October 4th.
... where Bobby was fed has been acquired by a fast food company.
Scotland’s event of the year the Gathering which is to be opened by H.R.H. Prince Charles takes place this weekend at the Queen’s Park, Edinburgh. Visitors will be arriving from all over the world to attend the tartan event.
Saturday 18th July marks the anniversary of the death of Chief Master Gunner Findlay. The gunner was part of the team formed to set up the One o’clock Gun. The time gun was set up three years after Bobby appeared in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Although there’s no evidence that the gunner knew Bobby he must have heard about him, perhaps from Colour Sgt. Scott who also worked at Edinburgh Castle. The gunner is buried in St. Cuthbert’s graveyard. Visitors from all over the world will soon be arriving in the capital to take part in the Gathering which takes place in the Queen’s Park on 25th and 26th July. In addition to visiting Bobby’s drinking fountain it’s worth while paying a visit to St. Cuthbert’s graveyard at the west end of the city where Chief Master Gunner Findlay is buried.
...Brian Beacock visited Scotland last week. John Lovie and George Robinson both members of the One o'clock Gun Association had a shandy with Brian in the Greyfriars Bobby pub.
...for the Greyfriars Bobby competition will be judged on Tuesday 30th June. The judge Mark I'Anson one of Scotland's top artists lives and works in North Berwick. 
... marks the anniversary of the death of Colour Sergeant Donald McNab Scott who fed Greyfriars Bobby. The sergeant died in the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh where he was taken after fracturing his thigh bone probably after a fall as he was in his mid-seventies.
...the Chairman of the One o'clock Gun Association will be taking the part of the Colour Sergeant for the World Animal Day Greyfriars Bobby/ Colour Sgt. Scott Walk in October.
...marks the anniversary of the death of John Inglis Traill the restaurant owner whose family looked after Greyfriars Bobby.
...was featured in 'The Sunday Post' this week. The story told of how on the day of the opening of the Greyfriars Bobby exhibition, Stuart who was scheduled to launch the event in collaboration with the Association's mascot Blue took a tumble when getting out of bed. Waking up eight hours later, in spite of feeling groggy, Stuart quickly strapped on his kilt and sporran and headed at top speed for North Berwick Library. 
...for the Greyfriars Bobby painting competition. The pupils of Yester Primary School, East Lothian were among the first to send in a batch of entries. The closing date for entries is Saturday 6th June and the judging will take place the following week.
...The Greyfriars Bobby Exhibition opens at North Berwick Library at 2.30 pm on Tuesday 19th May. This is a historic occasion as the exhibition will continue to travel round Scotland's libraries and museums. The following day marks the anniversary of the death of William Chambers. This remarkable man was Lord Provost of Edinburgh during the time of Greyfriars Bobby. Although William Chambers had been offered a knighthood by the Queen in 1881 he decided to decline the honour. The founder of Chambers publishing company along with his brother Robert, was responsible for clearing the city's Old Town slums and building new houses.
...of The Royal Regiment of Scotland gave a concert at the Canongate Kirk last Thursday to raise funds for Longstone Primary School. Although the band was under strength, the performance of the musicians was first class especially their rendition of a new composition called 'The Gathering of the Clans'. 
...is open Monday till Friday from 10.30 in the morning until 4.30 in the afternoon. The centre closes at 2.30 pm on Saturdays and as it's situated inside Greyfriars Tolbooth & Highland Kirk is not open on Sundays. The centre run by volunteers.
...has been lifted by crane from the Nelson Monument and is now at the foundry for repair. If the project stays on schedule the work on the tower should be finished by the end of August.
...Greyfriars Bobby exhibition opens at North Berwick Library, East Lothian on Tuesday, May 19th. The exhibition organised by the treasurer John Lovie, his wife Kit and the Library staff will be opened by the association's mascot Blue who can now be seen on U Tube.
... could be making a reappearance in city. The idea is the brain child of the One o'clock Gun Association's hard working Chairman Stuart Wilson. Instead of stone, the Guardhouse will be made of Perspex with double cavity walls. Smoke will be piped into the walls giving the building a spooky appearance especially
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...at the Castle has been re-opened after being closed to allow Historic Scotland to replace the information boards. The design work by MacDonald Orr Design is first class and the One o'clock Gun Association is grateful to Historic Scotland for financing and supervising the work.
...The map shows the history of Policing Edinburgh's Royal Mile and its darker side. In just one street are some of the most famous landmarks of past crimes in Scotland.
...to provide some background information on himself. 
...The opening of the Royal Regiment of Scotland Exhibition opened on Saturday 21st March. Blue the Yorkshire Terrier fired the gun and Pipe Major Anderson played the pipes. A buffet was held in the board room specially decorated for the occasion by Pippa Macleod one of Edinburgh's top interior designers. Pies were provided by Mr Anderson the North Berwick butcher who makes the tastiest meat pies in Scotland, Kit Lovie and her friends set up the spread. This exhibition will is on at the Library until the end of April. This is the first time an exhibition has been set up on Scotland's infantry regiment. Don't forget to take a trip along to the Library, photographs are available.
...after numerous inquiries from people intending to visit Edinburgh this year who have asked how to find Bobby's statue and grave. I have included a street map.
...I had tea and biscuits with the Provost of East Lothian at John Muir House last Wednesday. My man John drove Kit and myself to the Council H.Q. in Haddington. Kit and Provost Sheena Richardson had a good chat as they both used to enjoy swimming in North Berwick's outdoor pool.
...The first Greyfriars Bobby Newsletter for 2009 is now available together with the new catalogue full of Bobby's memorabilia.
...Received a nice email from Jan Titus who runs the Lyttelton Time Ball Station in New Zealand. At three minutes to one, Skippy who lives next door with Ian Collins leaves the house and heads up the hill. She barks until the time ball drops at one and then goes back to the house. Skippy's a cross between a Jack Russell and a spaniel. Although she's getting a bit mutt n' jeff, Skippy still carries out her duty every day.
...We've just received a letter from John Thomson thanking us for the tribute to Benjy the One o'clock Gun Association's first mascot. John a founder member of the Association got married to Canadian artist Ellen Dicker last year and now lives in Powell River, British Columbia.
...My gunnery course is going well. I've been studying the manual and I think I've got the hang of it. The cannon's now ready. Built by my man John and one of his pals who's an electronics expert, it'll come in handy for opening exhibitions and events.
...Greyfriars Bobby Rememberance Day was such a success that we've applied to hold it again next year. My man John says I can lay the wreath again as long as I don't eat the trimmings. He's now recovered from the cold which was making him act like a bear wi' a sair heid. Our Chairman Stuart Wilson received a nice letter from Mr George Bell the man responsible for looking after the cemetery where Bobby's buried saying he was pleased with the way it went and wishing us all the best.
...Lots of people have told me that they enjoyed seeing Bobby's Rememberance Day ceremony on the telly last week 
......As Wednesday 14th January 2009 marks the anniversary of Bobby's death, the One o'clock Gun Association will be holding a small ceremony in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Permission to hold the ceremony has been received from Mr George Bell the superintendent of the city's cemeteries. The ceremony will take place at one o'clock after Sergeant Shannon the District Gunner fires the time gun.
......2009 is an important year for Scotland. The Homecoming takes place which means that thousands of Scots will be arriving from all over the world to visit their native country. January also marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns.
...As it's Christmas I've been asked to write the blog this week. As you know I've not had a very good time this year due to my back leg. I don't know what happened. One minute it was o.k., the next minute I could hardly walk. Luckily my man John spotted something was wrong and took me to the vet. Mr. Ferguson's done a first class job and I'm feeling great now. We were hoping to re-enact the walk taken by Colour Sergeant Scott and Greyfriars Bobby along George IV Bridge this year. Sorry for letting you all down but we definitely aim to do the walk during the coming year. Seeing my photograph on the front cover of the 'Greyfriars Bobby Newsletter' was a big boost.
......marks the anniversary of the death of Walt Disney. The film maker was born in Chicago eighty miles north of Rensselaer the birthplace of Eleanor Atkinson. Walt came to Edinburgh in 1960 to find suitable locations for his film based on Eleanor's book.
......at Lauriston Place is well worth a visit. The Lothian and Borders Fire Rescue Service headquarters which now houses the Brigade's museum and library opened in 1900. The greatest disaster the force had to cope with during Greyfriars Bobby's lifetime took place when a seven-storey tenement collapsed in the High Street in 1861.
......marks the anniversary of the death of Staff Sergeant Thomas McKay M.B.E., Edinburgh Castle's longest serving District Gunner. Tam was a familiar figure in the Greyfriars area. In addition to enjoying a dram, Tam loved to smoke his pipe and would regularly drive his Land Rover down from the Castle to buy his ounce of shag at MacDonald's tobacconist at George IV Bridge. A traditional music fanatic, Tam was a regular in Sandy Bell's Bar in Forrest Road, famous for its fiddlers, guitar and squeeze box players. Tam's memorial bench sits on the Mills Mount Battery close to the One o'clock Gun. 
...CONCERTS
......dog lovers visiting the capital for the Christmas and New Year festivities should take a trip to the Museum of Edinburgh. The Greyfriars Bobby exhibition case contains Bobby's collar presented to him by the Lord Provost William Chambers plus the dinner bowl which he ate from at Traill's Restaurant.
......is to be held at the Central Library, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh on Saturday, 8th November to mark the ninetieth anniversary of the end of the First World War. The exhibition will also contain poems written by sick and wounded soldiers and the medical staff caring for the casualties. The event which will last a week has been organised by the Centre for the Study of the Two World Wars which is based at Edinburgh University and Edinburgh City Libraries. A small anthology of poems will be available. The proceeds will go to the Scottish Veterans.
......marks the anniversary of the death of Eleanor Atkinson the author of 'Greyfriars Bobby'. The author and journalist was born in Rensselaer, Indiana. U.S.A. in 1863, five years after Bobby appeared in Greyfriars Kirk graveyard. After attending training college, Eleanor made her living as a teacher before joining the Chicago 'Tribune'. Used to writing to deadlines the investigative journalist took her time gathering the research for her classic novel 'Greyfriars Bobby'.
......sparkles...and never more so than during our sensational Christmas festivities, which run from Thursday 27 November 2008 to Sunday 4 January 2009.
......is to be converted into a local resident community centre. The Church was built in 1859 the year after Bobby first appeared in Greyfriars graveyard. The funding for the centre is to be provided by the Edinburgh Arab Trust. The Victorian church is situated on the Meadows side of Lauriston Place not far from Keir Street where John Traill and his family lived. Bob and Ben who run the Lauriston Place barber shop reckon that the centre will be an asset to the area. Both are dog lovers and keep fit enthusiasts. Bob lost his beagle not long ago but now has a spaniel called Buster to take for walks in the Queen's Park.
......a researcher of Greyfriars Bobby is flying off on a visit to the William Heath Museum in San Diego. The Californian port is twinned with the City of Edinburgh. A replica of Greyfriars Bobby's statue which sits on the pedestal of the terrier's drinking fountain was presented to the museum in 1997.
...... has applied to Greyfriars Church to have a plaque erected to the memory of Eleanor Atkinson, author of 'Greyfriars Bobby'. The American journalist's classic novel provided the story for three films - MGM's 'Challenge to Lassie' (1949), Disney's 'Greyfriars Bobby: The True Story of a Dog ' (1961) and 'The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby' released in 2005. Check out 
...... and Edinburgh World Heritage Trust's application for a grant to repair the Nelson Monument time ball has been successful. The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £50,000 towards the project which will take six months to complete. The time ball was erected on the Nelson Monument in 1852 to enable captains of ships lying in the Firth of Forth to set their chronometers without coming ashore. The time ball was linked electrically to the One o'clock Gun in 1861.
......7.30 pm Saturday 22 November
...The National Museum of Scotland presents an exciting new exhibition celebrating the work of acclaimed British fashion designer Jean Muir (1928-1995) 7th November 2008 - 15th March 2009.
......where Bobby was fed is up for sale. The shop was occupied by an insurance company who also owned the adjoining premises. When the One o'clock Gun Association's secretary
...is now back home following an operation on his back leg. The operation was completely successful and Blue is recovering rapidly. The Association plans to re-enact Colour Sergeant Scott and Greyfriars Bobby's daily walk along George IV Bridge later this year. The re-enactment had to be cancelled due to Blue's operation.
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