Better late than never for Robyn Gosby’s One Four Challenge where you process an image four ways in four weeks. Although I have a few new pictures, because I love a good story I had an urge to use an older one that is very dear to my heart.
The Story of Greyfriars Wee Bobby
In the picturesque old town of Edinburgh, one of the most charming cities in the world, and behind Castle Rock and the Royal Mile, lies a lovely old street called Candlemaker Row in an area called Greyfriars.
(click on link below to more Edinburgh)
Every Scottish school child and every child in Scotland for that matter knows the story of Greyfriars wee Bobby. On Candlemaker Row this statue stands in tribute to him in front of the pub that is named for him. Walt Disney made a poignant film in 1961 entitled “Greyfriars Bobby.”
Back in the 1850’s Bobby was a skye terrier who belonged to “Auld Jock” and the two were inseparable. When his master died Bobby grieved and followed the casket into the kirkyard. Though the gates were locked and no dogs were allowed, each day he found a way to sneak in so he could sleep on his beloved master’s grave. The children and people of Greyfriar’s were so moved that they adopted him. Even the sexton of the church yard who had chased him off every night began to look out for him. All befriended Bobby but Bobby still continued to sleep on Auld Jock’s grave and never strayed until his own death in 1872.
“When the firing of the one o’clock gun sounded from Edinburgh Castle each day, Bobby would leave his post, and run to the eating house which he had frequented with Auld Jock, and then return to Jock’s grave. News of Bobby’s loyalty soon spread, and crowds would gather for the firing of the gun, to see Bobby run for his midday meal.”
There is a stone to him that stands near his master’s grave. The churchyard sign still states “no dogs allowed except seeing eye and guide dogs ” but recently someone has scratched below “and Bobby!”
Bobby’s stone reads “Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all.“
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Delightful Children’s Choir singing Road to the Isles– this is often played (by bagpipes) for the Queen as she rides in parade through the streets in honour of her Scottish heritage
Info: The skye terrier is an endangered breed of dog in the UK according to the Kennel Club.
I used a painterly edit for this week and sharpened the lines around Bobby.
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original
week one
the runes of the gatekeeper's daughter- dedicated to Nick 
Such a lovely story. Well, it is more than a story but you know what I mean.
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one of my faves from childhood.
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Yeah. It is lovely. I was a big sap for the film
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Thaaaaank you dear friend Cybele for the link!I am really touched to see you have posted Bobby’s moving story with those fantastic photos!I was on holiday,I had missed it 🙂
PS:Back again to your comment on our beloved Bobby in my post ….
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🙂
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I am totally in awe of your ability to continually come up with marvellous stories and images that so aptly illustrate them. Thank you for so much entertainment.
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it’s such a touching story!! Thanks Six!
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I’ve always loved the tale of Greyfriar’s Bobby. 🙂 Great subject choice!
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me too!! thanks for commenting Louise!
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The loyalty of “man’s best friend” is just incredible. Such a poignant story, Cybele. You’ve done Bobby justice with your lovely photo!
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I agree and always loved the story though I always cried!! Thank you Stacy!!
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Here it is in context, now I understand the story better! I almost missed it!
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Glad you liked it Maria!!
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What an adorable dog. You photo processing brings out the dog’s gentle nature.
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thank you! I was hoping for that! Such a sweet story!!
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What a beautiful place Edinburgh is! I can see how the settng might have inspired the Harry Potter stories.
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oh yes and his train is in Fort William!! Thanks Debra!
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Love the story,it’s those kind they don’t do much anymore,though I wish they did
Thanks for visiting next time we will go out a catch a few good shots
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thank you!! 🙂 I’m a softie when it comes to an animal story!!
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What a story, you know I have a soft spot for animals . I love the image, very nice work, it feels calming and soothing.
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Good to hear from you Lore!! I’m still having a few notification omissions in my email set ups.- also have slowed down a bit this last while. Will be over to see you!! Thanks so much – I also have a soft spot for animals and little dogs like steadfast Bobby!! My fairytale is done too- will be posting this next week!! hope you might have time to read.
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I’ll be sure to read it.
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I don’t care how many times I hear this story, it brings tears. Your edit seems to have softened the photo a bit but I love them both! Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂 ❤
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You too Linda!! I’m glad you remember the story! In Edinburgh you touch Bobby’s ( the statue) nose for luck or a blessing. Thanks!
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Since you’ll get there b’fore me, be sure to touch it for me! 😉
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will do!!!! 🙂
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An heart aching story and love the effect. It’s amazing that dogs might not speak our language but sometimes their bond is stronger than any other bond.
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It is so touching isn’t it. They are a lesson to us all! Thanks Norma!
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Man’s faithful friend to the end . Bobby is a legend .
Lovely post all round Hannah . Cheers for the cheery choir too !
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the choir was sweet too. Thanks Poppy! The loyalty and courage of dogs always lifts and touches me! I’m thrilled that so many do know the story!
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Cybele, thank you for the story. I love that kind dog. Do have a rewarding weekend my friend. Cheers!
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thanks Peter! you too! It’s actually warm here on the west coast of Canada!!
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wow. what a beautiful dog.
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yes he was quite incredible!! thanks!
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Awesome dear Cybele… Bobby’s photograph is very lovely! … have a great almost weekend ahead! Aquileana ⭐
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thank you for visiting Aquileana!! Blessings on your weekend!
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Moving story of Bobby, Cybele. I like the painterly effect.
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thanks so much Anita!!
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Love the picture, and the story…thanks for sharing both Cybele 🙂
Although I’m glad to say I didn’t bawl, like I did the first (maybe second, third and fourth) time I heard the story of Beddgelert. 😉
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omg that is a tragic tale!! I know why you cried! But I cried for Auld Jock and Bobby too. The Latin name Fido is fidelity!
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Yes, both stories really pull on the heartstrings. 😦
I didn’t know that about Fido….but it explains why so many dogs have the name 🙂
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yes 🙂 it’s kind of an old classic generic name for a dog. Thank you for sharing your story (which I looked up!!)!!
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🙂
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I know this story – such a faithful companion.
Brings tears to my eyes.
Love your image and process. There is a softness and sensitivity to it.
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thanks Robyn – it’s a little different from my other stuff!! But I love wee Bobby!
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Ah, I know this story! Nice painterly effect this week, interested to see where you go witch this.
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thanks Sue!! I don’t know what I might do but it’s a sweet image anyway! I love Bobby!! 🙂
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🙂
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Dogs are amazing like that. When one of my relatives died, his wife took the family dog to the churchyard and the dog rushed straight to the right grave without being directed to it and lay down there for the duration of the visit.
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so touching!! Thanks for sharing that Sarah!! Bobby is very heart wrenching!!
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Beautiful article and stunning images
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thank you so much Deepa!
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A lovely old story, I know so well. Beautifully narrated and illustrated. 🙂
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Thanks Moon!! I don’t think it is as well known here but as my Mom was from there we all knew the stories.
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Touching story and a lively sensitive edit Cybele!
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thanks Chris- I’ve been a bit bogged down these days!! So glad you liked it. One of my favourite childhood tales.
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It’s heart broken story, Cybele…
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yes that it’s true is more heart felt!!
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