Labour MSP praises Dogs Trust on 147th anniversary of death of Greyfriars Bobby

Kezia Dugdale has praised the work of The Dogs Trust ahead of the 147th anniversary of the death of Greyfriars Bobby.

The Scottish Labour MSP will attend a commemorative event this afternoon, accompanied by her golden cocker spaniel puppy, Brodie.

Held at Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh, the annual event has been organised by The Dogs Trust to observe the importance of man's best friend.

A service will take place as the one o'clock gun sounds, which is said to be the time at which Bobby left his master's grave each day for a free meal at a nearby cafe.

Skye Terrier Bobby is said to have stood guard over his master's grave for 14 years before dying in 1872, with books and films chronicling his story.

Speeches will be made by those in attendance, with pupils from George Heriot's school laying flowers at Bobby's headstone.

Ms Dugdale 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."