Lothian Labour MSP, Kezia Dugdale and her new puppy Brodie, a golden cocker spaniel puppy, supported the Dogs Trust at the annual Greyfriars Bobby commemorative event at Greyfriars Kirk today marking the 147th anniversary of the death of the Skye Terrier.
The Dogs Trust have this year taken on the privilege of organising the annual event to observe the continued importance of man’s best friend.
Piper Jennifer Hutcheon from Bridge of Earn who wrote a special tune Tribute to Greyfriars Bobby Mrs Traill of Traill’s Temperance Coffee House and ‘John Gray’ owner of Greyfriar’s Bobby The Greyfriars Bobby statue paid for by Baroness Burdett-Coutts
As the one o’clock gun sounded, which is said to be the time at which Bobby left his master’s grave each day for a free meal at a nearby café, there was a short outdoor commemorative service which included speeches from Bailie Lezley Marion Cameron, Angela Constance MSP and representatives of the Dog’s Trust followed by pupils from George Heriot school laying flowers at Bobby’s headstone.
It is the 147th anniversary of the death of Greyfriars Bobby who was faithful to the memory of his master John Gray. A special service was held to mark the date. We spoke to @kezdugdale about her recently acquired new puppy + @DogsTrust who organised the event with @Edinburgh_CC pic.twitter.com/TTbjZuqsvb
— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) January 14, 2019
Kezia Dugdale MSP said: “My partner and I have recently become the proud owners of our own gorgeous golden cocker spaniel, Brodie, and we’ve loved every minute of having him in our lives. The story of Greyfriars Bobby is one that everyone grows up learning about that shows the extraordinary bond that exists between dogs and their owners.
“It is such a well-known and heart-warming feature from Edinburgh’s history that people from all over the world now come to visit the Greyfriars Bobby statue when they are in the city.
“I want to praise the Dogs Trust for taking on this year’s commemorative event and ensuring that the anniversary was marked again with the support it deserves.”
Other MSPs were present at the event including Jeremy Balfour MSP who was pleased to tell me that his Member’s Bill to introduce licensing for pet shops has been taken over by The Scottish Government. This will ensure that the legislation is passed at Holyrood to improve pet shops and animal welfare by introducing the need for a licence, fees and inspections. Other politicians at the event included Alison Johnstone MSP and Cllr Cameron Rose.
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