PSA: Why You Should NEVER Touch Greyfriars Bobby’s Nose

If you’re a tourist in Edinburgh, or are planning a visit anytime soon, you may have heard of Greyfriars Bobby. You may have even heard the popular tourist myth that it’s lucky to touch his nose.

That popular tourist myth just happens to be the bane of every Edinburgh local’s life, because touching Greyfriars Bobby’s nose is one of the absolute WORST things you can do when you visit our city (second only to things like r*pe, assault or murdering someone).

Why? Well, let me tell you. Greyfriars Bobby’s nose does not appear to be gold because it’s lucky; that colour is because of damage. The constant friction from rubbing Bobby’s nose is leading to permanent damage, costing Edinburgh Council hundreds of pounds whenever it needs restored.

The unrelenting scene of tourists crowding around Bobby at the junction of George IV Bridge and Candlemaker Row, and taking turns to do this damage is also seen as annoying and extremely disrespectful, not to mention incredibly tiresome.

A good 12 years ago, the BBC quoted Richard Lewis, Edinburgh city council’s culture and sport convener on the matter:

The council arranged for work to be carried out to fix Bobby’s nose 12 months ago, but damage is still being done and the restoration is already wearing off. In time, we will organise repair work again to maintain the statue, which we know is one of Edinburgh’s most loved monuments, but there are no plans to carry out more work out in the near future.

If people do feel obliged to rub Bobby’s nose could we encourage them to do it gently, as it really does cause damage.

Nobody listened, of course. Bobby’s nose no longer looks like the photo below.

Instead, Bobby’s nose has been damaged by another 12 years of people rudely fingering it with their grubby mitts, and quite frankly, I have had enough – to the extent that now I have this platform, I am using it to do hopefully a little bit of good with this post.

You see, I’m not here to argue about whether story of Greyfriars Bobby, the famous pet of constable John Grey, a man who died of tuberculosis in 1858 and loyally mourned by his dog until 1872, is true or not true. I don’t care about that.

Bobby is a much loved, familiar Edinburgh landmark that has, over the years, become something more than just the story he originated from. He’s just been there, and we all love to walk past Bobby (well, when we get to see him through the crowds, at least).

I stopped some tourists rubbing his nose recently – the other day, in fact – and told them that there was a CURSE for anyone who touched Bobby’s nose. They were at first slightly alarmed, but then I came out with the truth of how the curse was really just a whole lot of distain and negative energy felt by all the locals who had watched them do it.

You see, Bobby’s nose isn’t supposed to look like the photo below. It’s supposed to be black, to match the rest of him. This poor wee beloved dog statue is getting relentlessly assaulted on a minute-by-minute basis – and if you contribute to this, you’re only making things worse.

So, next time, please take the time to think and stop yourself before you reach out your eager fingers, and touch Bobby’s nose – even if you see others doing so. ESPECIALLY if you see others doing so. Take the time to educate them, and tell them that this is not something that’s going to bring them good luck. Instead, it’s one of the rudest, most disrespectful things you can do.

I’m asking you, please protect Bobby’s nose. Instead, take a respectful selfie with appropriate distance from Bobby, and educate others to leave Bobby’s nose alone. We, the Edinburgh locals, would really appreciate your help.

Thank you for reading this heartfelt message, and please share this post far and wide. Much appreciated.