PEOPLE are being invited to bring their pets to an annual blessing service at a church famed for its connection to Greyfriars Bobby.
The service, open to anyone, will take place at 3pm on Sunday at Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh.
The faithful terrier known as Greyfriars Bobby stayed by his master’s grave in the kirkyard for 14 years after his death in 1858.
In tribute to the dog, who is also buried in the Kirkyard, members of the Skye Terrier Club will join the event.
Previous years have seen dogs, cats and even miniature ponies attending the blessing.
Sue MacGregor, who is a probationer minister at Greyfriars and has organised the event, said: “I am delighted to be creating our service which coincides with Unesco World Animal Day and the Feast of St Francis.
READ MORE: FMQs: Humza Yousaf apologises after branding Douglas Ross a liar
“It will be great to see folk from all walks of life along with their pets, and to welcome interfaith representatives as we celebrate the world’s value and diversity together.”
There will be a parade of the animals around the Kirkyard after the service.
Edinburgh Interfaith Association will also be taking part in the event.
It will be the last time Rev Dr Richard Frazer presides over a pet blessing at Greyfriars as he will be retiring from his role as the parish minister later this year.
He said: “For many, the presence of animals is one of the great blessings of life, overcoming loneliness, reducing stress, and providing profound companionship.
“Visitors to our church are often drawn to the qualities of love, loyalty, and companionship found in the story of Greyfriars Bobby, which is a lovely thing to celebrate and honour.
READ MORE: Rishi Sunak dodges questions on Suella Braverman's migration comments
“The pet blessing is an opportunity for people to express their gratitude, not just for the pets they have but for the idea that we share life with plants and animals, reminding us of our duty of care to the whole of creation.”
Greyfriars Bobby belonged to night-watchman John Gray, who took on the dog to keep him company through the long nights.
But Gray contracted tuberculosis and died of the disease on February 15, 1858.
According to the story, Bobby refused to leave his owner’s side, and until his own death on January 14, 1872 he would stay by Gray’s graveside, even in the most treacherous weather conditions.
He was commemorated with a statue near the entrance to the graveyard.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here