Humans and animals have lived together side by side for millennia.
While many of us love the creatures we share this planet with, a few animals have proven themselves to be even more special. They’ve been so important or so beloved that we’ve thought up ways we can remember them forever.
Edinburgh is no exception. Scotland has always had great respect for its native animals and many have become symbolic of the country itself.
You’ll find that the Scottish capital pays homage many of its cherished creatures – if you know where to look.
Here’s your guide to some of the historic animals of Edinburgh!
Table of Contents
Greyfriars Bobby
Known for: Faithfully staying by his Master’s grave for 14 years
Species: Dog
Lived: 1855 – 1872
Undisputedly Scotland’s most famous dog, Bobby stayed by the grave of his former owner, located in Greyfriars Kirkyard, for 14 years.
Rumors have abounded for many years that the story is not quite as heartwarming as it seems. One theory is that a couple of businessmen fed the dog, then concocted the story to go viral, 1800s-style. Another is that stray dogs would hang around the graveyard and were fed by visitors, with Bobby being singled out in a news story from the era, making him famous.
Whatever the truth, Bobby’s story of faithfulness has become legendary. In the years since his death, he’s been the subject of one novel and two movies (including one starring Christopher Lee).
Where you can see Bobby today: Bobby’s statue is prominently displayed at the corner of Candlemakers Row and George IV Bridge, near the Scottish National Museum. Touching his nose is said to bring good luck (although if you’re short like me, you may need to reach for it). You can also see his collar at the Museum of Edinburgh.
What to check out other famous dogs of European history? Check them out here!
Dolly the Sheep
Known for: Being the first clone of an adult mammal
Species: Sheep
Lived: 1996 – 2003
Back in 1997, Dolly caused a stir when she was revealed to be the first mammal cloned from an adult stem cell. There had been other cloned mammals before, but these were made from embryonic stem cells. The success of Dolly’s conception opened up new possibilities in medicine and biology.
As for Dolly herself, she lived a peaceful existence with other sheep in her flock. She gave birth to six lambs over the course of her life. After developing a serious lung disease, she was put to sleep at the age of 6.
Where you can see Dolly today: After her death, Dolly was preserved using taxidermy. She is now one of the star attractions at the National Museum of Scotland.
The Monarch of the Glen
Known for: Icon of the Scottish Highlands
Species: Red deer
Lived: 19th century
You can’t have an article about historic animals of Scotland without including this icon of Scottish wildlife.
This famous painting by Sir Edwin Landseer doesn’t depict a specific red deer stag, although it was based on those observed by the painter during his many trips to the Scottish Highlands.
Fun fact: The painting depicts a 12-point stag – 12 referring to the number of points on its antlers. A 12-point stag is actually called a “Royal.” “Royal of the Glen” doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, IMHO.
Where you can see The Monarch of the Glen today: The painting can be found at the Scottish National Gallery. On loan to the gallery for a number of years, it was finally acquired by The National Galleries of Scotland in 2017.
Callum
Known for: His master’s famous request
Species: Dog
Lived: 19th century or 20th century
The Monarch of the Glen may have been acquired relatively recently by the National Gallery of Scotland, and through public appeal, but many other paintings in the gallery’s collection were acquired thanks to the generosity of one very wealthy man – who really, really loved his dog.
James Cowan Smith was a British civil engineer and philanthropist. When he died in 1919, he left around £55,000 (more than £2 million in today’s money) to the National Gallery of Scotland on two conditions: 1) that his dog Fury was to be taken care of for the rest of his life and 2) that the portrait of his beloved deceased dog Callum was to be on permanent display at the gallery.
Needless to say, the gallery agreed to the terms and the Cowan Smith Bequest was used to acquire some 40 paintings.
Where you can see Callum today: At the Scottish National Gallery, naturally, where as requested, Callum’s portrait hangs on permanent display.
Nils Olav
Known for: Highest ranking penguin in the world and mascot of the Norwegian King’s Guard
Species: Penguin
Lived: 1972 – present
His full name and title are Major General Sir Nils Olav (III), Baron of the Bouvet Islands.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Nils Olav is a major general, the highest-ranking penguin in the world. Don’t just take my word for it; he’s named as such in the Guiness World Records.
In 1972, Nils Egelien, a member of the Norwegian King’s Guard in town for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, fell in love with the flightless bird. He arranged for the regiment to adopt a penguin on their return a few years later, and a star was born.
There’s been a Nils Olav at the zoo ever since. (They’re currently on their third Nils Olav.) Nils Olav received a knighthood from the Norwegian king in 2008, making him “Sir Nils Olav.” He was promoted major general in 2023.
And don’t go thinking the position doesn’t have its responsibilities – Nils Olav even reviews his troops, when the Norwegian King’s Guard comes to town.
Where you can see Nils Olav today: You can see Nils Olav, alive and well, at the beloved Edinburgh Zoo. There’s also a 4ft (1.2m) bronze statue of Sir Nils Olav in front of Penguin Rock at the zoo (with another statue located at Huseby Leir in Oslo).
Wojtek
Known for: Military companion and soldier
Species: Bear
Lived: 1942 – 1963
Wojtek was a Syrian brown bear from the mountains of Iran. During WWII, the young cub came into the care of a group of Polish soldiers. Raised by the soldiers, he became their unofficial mascot and was taught to salute, wave, and march.
When the soldiers had to ship out, Wojtek was made a private so that he could accompany the unit, making him the second animal on this list with a military ranking. Unlike Nils Olav, however, Wojtek did see combat, helping to carry artillery shells and ammunition during the Battle of Monte Casino.
Wojtek eventually retired to Scotland, where he lived out his days at the Edinburgh Zoo.
Where you can see Wojtek today: There’s a statue of Wojtek in the Princes Street Gardens, which was unveiled in 2015. Other statues of Wojtek can be found in Duns, Scotland, Kraków, Poland, and Cassino, Italy.
Maida
Known for: Being the favorite dog of Sir Walter Scott
Species: Dog
Lived: 1813 – 1824
Sir Walter Scott wasn’t just one of Scotland’s most famous writers – he was also a renowned dog lover. His favorite dog was reported to be Maida, who was a cross between a Pyrenean Wolfdog and a Highland Deerhound.
In fact, Scott’s love for Maida was so well-known, a friend of his bought a snuffbox in Munich with a picture of Maida on the front with the words “The beloved dog of Walter Scott.”
Where you can see Maida today: Maida is memorialized by the side of his human at the Scott Monument on Princes Street. Maida is also depicted next to Scott in another statue located in Perth, Scotland.
Dog cemetery, Edinburgh Castle
Known for: Resting place
Species: Dog
Lived: 19th and 20th centuries
Within the walls of Edinburgh Castle there is a small patch of green and about 20 headstones. But it’s not royalty, nobles, or military personnel buried here – it’s the final resting place of regimental mascots or dogs belonging to high-ranking soldiers.
The oldest legible headstone belongs to Jess, who died in 1881, and the newest to Winkle, who died in 1980. Others include YumYum, Tim, and Dobbler, who was apparently a very well-travelled dog, having accompanied his regiment to China, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.
Where you can see the dog cemetery today: Edinburgh Castle. While the cemetery isn’t accessible to the public, it can be viewed from above. Head to the Mons Meg and look down to see it.
Unicorns
Known for: Being the national animal of Scotland
Species: Unicorn
Lived: …
You can’t have a list of animals of Edinburgh without include Scotland’s national animal, the unicorn.
The unicorn was first used in Scottish heraldry in the 12th century, in the coat of arms of William I. The creature’s association with virtue, power, and strength undoubtedly attracted the king.
In time, the unicorn became more and more popular with Scottish monarchs as a symbol of royalty and nobility. James II was said to believe in the legend that only a king could tame a unicorn.
Today, the unicorn is a symbol not just of Scottish kings and queens, but of the country itself. There’s even a National Unicorn Day, celebrated on April 9.
Where you can see unicorns today: Unicorns are everywhere in Scotland, and Edinburgh is no exception. You can find representations of unicorns at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles Cathedral, and the Mercat Cross, among other locations.
Scottish Terrier
Known for: being a native breed of dog
Species: Dog
Lived: documented as early as the 15th century
The Scottish Terrier, or Scottie as it is often known, is one of five breeds of terriers originating in Scotland (the others being the Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, and West Highland White).
While its origins are obscure, the Scottie (or a forerunner) was first documented in the 15th century. King James VI was a lover of the breed. Famous owners of Scotties include Queen Victoria, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Rudyard Kipling, G. K. Chesterton, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Where you can see the Scotland Terrier today: The Scottie’s silhouette can be found on rubbish bins throughout Edinburgh. Of course, hopefully you’ll see one out on a walk with its human!
There you have it: some of Edinburgh’s most famous furry friends. Did I miss your favorite animal? Let me know in the comments below!
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