Dozens of pets from across the Scottish capital were welcomed into Greyfriars Kirk for an annual blessing service on Sunday, 4 October.
The event, held in the Old Town’s historic kirk, saw animals of all shapes and size brought together at 3pm to celebrate World Animal Day.
Organised in partnership with the Edinburgh Interfaith Association for the fourth consecutive year, the service aimed to recognise the deep relationship between people and their animals.
Following the indoor ceremony, animals and their owners took part in a procession through Greyfriars Kirkyard, culminating in a wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of the famous Skye terrier, Greyfriars Bobby.
The gathering deliberately coincided with the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, who is traditionally recognised as the patron saint of animals and the natural environment.
Representatives from the Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Humanist, Sikh, Muslim, and Baha’i communities took part in the service, which was open to people of all faiths and none.
In addition to the blessing, the afternoon served as a vital fundraising opportunity for the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, an organisation that has supported animals in the region for over 140 years.
The charity operated a stall at the event, where visitors were encouraged to donate money alongside tinned or dried pet food to assist with local foodbank support.
The location of the service holds a historical link to the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.
Former Lord Provost William Chambers, who was instrumental in founding the animal welfare charity, famously issued Greyfriars Bobby with a dog licence after the death of his owner, John Gray, ensuring the terrier was protected.
Organisers of the event actively encouraged Edinburgh residents to bring their pets along to the kirk, no matter their species.
The inclusive nature of the gathering has previously seen some unusually large visitors attend, with a full-grown horse making an appearance at the 2023 service.
Following the conclusion of the formal parade and wreath-laying, attendees were invited to stay for tea and coffee inside the kirk.
Gillian Couper, a probationer for ministry who led the service on behalf of Greyfriars Kirk, praised the gathering of different species.
She said: “We are delighted to host this event each year which brings together all creatures, great and small (that we are able!), to give gratitude for their pets and the wonders of the animal world.
“Given the Kirk’s historic link to Greyfriars Bobby, it offers a unique location for this annual occasion.”
