Look for the small granite fountain by the curb with a life-size bronze little dog perched on top, staring out like he’s on permanent guard duty.
This is the Greyfriars Bobby Fountain... a polished granite column and bowl with bronze plaques, topped by Bobby, a Skye Terrier turned local legend. The story goes that after his owner, John Gray, died, Bobby kept watch over the grave for 14 years-through Edinburgh rain, wind, and the general Victorian urge to be dramatic-until Bobby himself died on January 14, 1872. The memorial was commissioned by Lady Burdett-Coutts of the RSPCA, and sculpted “from life” by William Brodie-who, at the same time, was busy making figures for the Scott Monument.
It was unveiled in 1873, later became a top-tier listed monument... and is reputed to be Edinburgh’s smallest listed building. The water was shut off in 1957, then the fountain got some TLC in 1985. And that shiny nose? Please don’t rub it-“lucky” is not a conservation strategy.
When you’re set, Grassmarket is a 5-minute walk heading south.
