A dog who starred in the 1960s Disney movie about Greyfriars Bobby is set to be laid to rest near the real-life grave of Scotland's most loyal companion.
The on-screen Skye Terrier, also called Bobby, was gifted to former Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police, William Merrilees, by Walt Disney after the film was released.
The pooch lived with the officer and his family in Edinburgh for more than a decade before being buried in the grounds of a house in Dolphinton, Lanarkshire, in 1974 report the Record.
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After ownership of the land changed hands several times, the grave was lost until David Hunter, the nephew of Merrilees, launched an 18 month search to find it.
His tiny coffin was recovered in January this year. Film star Bobby has now been cremated with plans underway to have his ashes interred at Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh later this year.
City of Edinburgh Council’s Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker, said: "We can confirm that the remains of the dog which portrayed one of Edinburgh’s most iconic canines in Greyfriars Bobby have been cremated.
“We are working closely with our partners at Greyfriars Kirk and Mr David Hunter on this special project to ensure that these remains will be properly preserved and curated.
"The remains will be displayed in a wooden casket within the grounds of Greyfriars Kirk later this year."
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Edinburgh and Lothian Pet Crematorium, who have taken part in the process, added: “I had the honour of sending the iconic little film star - Greyfriars Bobby on his final journey to the Rainbow Bridge.
“David has vivid childhood memories of Bobby, and was motivated to search for Bobby’s final resting place so that he could tell his grandchildren that Bobby hadn’t been forgotten.
“David approached me and asked if I would be able to carry out Bobby’s cremation. Without hesitation, I said yes.
“Not least of all to give this wee dog the final send off that he deserved, but to help his family ensure that his life and story would be remembered forever. Bobby’s remains will now rest in Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh.”
The story of Greyfriars Bobby has captured hearts around the world for decades. The Skye Terrier spent 14 years guarding the grave of their owner, John Gray, until his own death in 1872.
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