There is a lot to see in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Holyroodhouse where the Scottish royalty lives is a beautiful sight with its unicorn images and figures, the National Museum of Scotland is a popular destination and the resting place of Dolly the sheep (the first successful clone of a mammal), and the botanical gardens are just a few of the many notable spots in this historic and magnificent city. However, the center of tourist attraction and of the city’s history is the intimidating fortress atop a hill in the middle of the city: Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh Castle is a sight to behold on top of a hill within the city. The castle “is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe.” (edinburghcastle.scot) It has been home to royalty, military garrisons, and prisoners. It is the setting for historical stories of intrigue, murder, and sabotage. Today, it is still a working castle, which means members of the Scottish military are stationed there. Edinburgh Castle is a “can’t miss” site, and one of the top tourist locations in Scotland.
Within the walls of this great castle though, is a hidden gem. It isn’t talked about or advertised. It is a location you have to look for and not in plain view, but has been used since the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901).
When you reach the top of the wall of the Argyle Battery, by the giant cannon called Mons Meg, there is a sign titled “Dog Cemetery.” As you look over the wall onto a lower terrace, there is a small lawn with what looks like around 20 gravestones. Many of the headstones are unreadable, some from being too far away, some from age, and some from worn surfaces due to the chilly and windy elements of the area.
This is the final resting place and memorial of pups who were beloved companions of high-ranking officers and regimental mascots.
Regimental mascots can be any sort of animal, and the practice has been implemented since the 1700s. Regiments and soldiers have adopted animals as a sign of strength and morale. Their duties can include ceremonies, serving in combat, carrying supplies, or helping with transport. (nam.ac.uk) While traditionally the regimental mascots are dogs, “Many other animals, of all species, including birds, bears, cats, dogs, monkeys, pigs, and the odd penguin or two, have, for years, been adopted as mascots by soldiers, sailors, and airmen while serving on home shores and overseas. Very often the animals were rescued from harm, won in a bet, or saved from the clutches of the enemy, and others were ‘gifted’ to ships, regiments, and air crews as a thank you or a good luck charm.” (yourdog.co.uk) The mascot for the Royal Regiment of Scotland today is actually a Shetland pony named Lance Corporal Cruachan IV.
For this particular cemetery in Edinburgh Castle, one of only two of its kind in Scotland, exceptional canines of regiments and pets of officers have the honor of being buried within the castle walls. According to the Edinburgh Castle’s official site, “The first dog to be buried at the castle was Fido, beloved four-legged friend of the castle’s commanding officer in 1847.” The oldest legible headstone dates from 1881, “a dedication to Jess, band pet of the Black Watch 42nd Royal Highlanders,” while the most recently added stone “belongs to Winkle, the ‘dear and faithful friend of Lady Gow and the Governor’, who died in 1980.” (edinburghnews.scotsman.com) Other names include:
- “Don, pet dog of Sergeant’s 1st battery;
- Major, a police dog;
- Flora, a band pet;
- Sheena;
- 1889 Yum Yum;
- 1892 Tim is buried in Guernsey. He travelled with Seaforth Highlanders;
- 1893 Dobbler travelled with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders to such exotic locations as China, Sri Lanka and South Africa;
- 1911 Gyp, a Crown Room dog;
- 1935 Tinker, General William;
- 1947 Scamp, A faithful chum of Jack Wilson Paterson.” (wordsonstone.wordpress.com)
Each of these heroic pups had their own stories, most of which have been lost to history. However, some of those stories have been preserved by the people and soldiers who loved these exceptional dogs who offered help, companionship, and support during times of war or extended travel.
Dobbler
The Bull Terrier named Dobbler travelled for 9 year with his regiment, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He travelled across the world, to China, Sri Lanka and South Africa as inscribed on his headstone. According to the American Kennel Club, “Among the most comical and mischievous citizens of dogdom, the Bull Terrier is playful and endearing, sometimes stubborn, but always devoted. These unique ‘eggheads’ are exuberant, muscular companions who thrive on affection and exercise.” (akc.org) It’s no surprise that such a dog made an exceptional companion to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders on such journeys, and his companionship and loyalty was so respected that he was placed at rest in Edinburgh Castle.
Tim
According to his gravestone, Tim was actually buried in Guernsey, an island in the English Channel between Britain and France. He served with the Seaforth Highlanders for what is believed to be 16 years before he died in 1892. He may have passed away on Guernsey, but his compatriots in the Highlanders “wanted him to be — in some way — home with them in Scotland that they placed a gravestone for him in the castle cemetery.” (yourdog.co.uk) There is no record of what kind of dog Little Tim was, but he had to be an exceptional and highly respected pup to earn a spot in Edinburgh Castle.
Bob
While Bob is not buried in the Dog Cemetery, he is in a different part of the castle. Bob was the regimental mascot of the 1st Battalion, Scots Fusilier Guards from 1853-1860. This terrier of mixed breeds was adopted by the battalion in 1853 when they were based in Windsor and accompanied them during the Crimean War a year later. According to the National Museum of Scotland, “he distinguished himself by chasing cannonballs at the Battle of Inkerman. In recognition of his courage, he was awarded the special silver medal attached to his collar.” (nms.scran.ac.uk/) During the Crimean War, he would scout the battlefields licking fallen soldiers’ faces and offering them brandy from a flask around his neck. If they did not respond, he would bark and alert the rest of the battalion in order to get help. (yourdog.co.uk)
There are several stories about Bob and his battalion. Before they even left for Crimea in 1854, the supervising officer in charge of loading the troopship noticed the pup and demanded to know who is owner was. When he did not receive an answer, he ordered Bob to be thrown overboard. Hastily, the rest of the battalion explained that he belonged to everyone, which led to the supervisor allowing Bob to remain with the group. (nms.scran.ac.uk/) In another story, while on their way to Crimea, the battalion was docked at Malta. One of the colonels was swimming in the ocean and started to struggle. Bob leaped in the water after him, successfully bringing him above water and saving his life. (yourdog.co.uk)
While Bob belonged to the whole battalion, he was especially attached to Private William Reynolds, who is known as Edinburgh’s first recipient of the Victoria Cross which is the highest and most prestigious award of the British military. After Bob’s death in 1860, Private Reynolds worked with the rest of the 1st Battalion to preserve their dog. Bob was taxidermied, so they would be able to visit him, rather than burying him in the dog cemetery. Today, Bob is at the front of the Scottish War Museum in Edinburgh Castle, still greeting visitors to those hallowed halls.
“Berkin dugs here lie at rest
The yappin worst, obedient best
Sodgers pets and mascots tae
Still guard the castle to this day.”
-A VERSE ABOUT THE EDINBURGH CASTLE DOG CEMETERY, BELIEVED TO BE WRITTEN BY ROBERT BURNS, SCOTTISH POET
Whether or not their stories are known, all of the dogs buried in Edinburgh Castle’s dog cemetery served an important role with the people they were stationed with. They were partners, sources of courage, comrades, and most importantly, beloved friends. While Edinburgh Castle may be a “can’t miss” location in the city itself, the Dog Cemetery for Regimental Mascots and Officer’s Pets is a “can’t miss” location within the fortress. The reverence given to these brave animals is indeed something special to behold.