Spurtle was invited to send a photographer to this lunchtime’s commemoration event at Greyfriars Kirk. It was to mark the reunion of Greyfriars Bobby with his master in 1872.
After Lord Provost Donald Wilson had welcomed guests, we understand, Dr Andrew Gardiner (Veterinary Clinical lecturer at the Royal Dick School) spoke about Bobby’s treatment at the Edinburgh Veterinary College formerly on Clyde Street.
Also in attendance were Bobby-double Maggie, wearing a specially designed new coat and badge, and piper Jennifer Hutcheon who played ‘Tribute to Greyfriars Bobby’, a tune composed for the same occasion last year.
Strathleven Artizans – the Renton (near Balloch) historical re-enactment group specialising in King Robert the Bruce and King David II, Tobias Smollet, the Turkey Red Dye Works and the River Leven – provided a Guard of Honour. (Your guess is as good as ours.)
Following the 1 o’clock gun, adorable, round-eyed wee schoolkiddies laid flowers on the 'faithful terrier's' grave and Councillor Austin Hart (Vice Convener of Culture and Leisure) delivered a thank you.
The event was organised by City of Edinburgh Council’s Library and Information Service, whose former Children and Music Department premises on George IV Bridge were recently flogged off to a prospective bistro (Breaking news, 14.1.14).
For obvious geographical reasons, Spurtle declined to attend. But we would not have gone even if the event had taken place on Broughton Street.
Can readers suggest any ways in which this was not a nauseating exercise in sentimentality from start to finish? We recognise the city's need for tourists and the money they bring, but does Edinburgh really have to stand up on its hind legs and beg?
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Image: Wikimedia Commons
