Bobby Update - Police Launch Investigation

Greyfriar's nose shines again

Last week we reported that Edinburgh's famous Greyfriar's Bobby statue had undergone restoration work after years worth of tourists rubbing his nose for good luck. Less than 48 hours following the painstaking work to turn his shiny nose back to black, an abrasive material was "intentionally used" on the nose, stripping the repaired area. Police have launched an investigation, and are asking for anyone who witnessed suspicious behaviour near the statue in the last week to come forward.

The story is causing quite a stir in Scotland's capital, with Bobby campaigners fighting it out on social media, and Bobby even gracing the cover of the nation's newspaper, The Scotsman:


Bobby graces front page of The Scotsman

Here's the latest from the BBC:

Edinburgh City Council confirmed it called the police after experts said the repair paint used should have lasted several years.

Police Scotland said the statue was damaged sometime between 13:00 on Tuesday and 17:00 on Wednesday.

The estimated cost of the damage is believed to be between £200 and £300.

Officers are conducting inquiries and urged witnesses to come forward.

PC Nick Davies, of Police Scotland, said: "This crime is as unusual as it is disappointing to observe.

"The statue is a beloved tourist attraction and is also very popular with Edinburgh's local residents.

"The nose has recently been touched up to restore it following years of wear and at first it was believed the repair had not adhered correctly to the monument.

"However, we are now treating this as an act of vandalism after discovering that an abrasive has been used to remove the material from the repaired area.

"As such, anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity around Greyfriars Bobby in the past few days is asked to contact police."

Richard Lewis, Edinburgh City Council's culture and sport convener, said: "The work carried out should have lasted for a number of years and it is highly unlikely that it would have worn away naturally in such a short space of time.

"We will, of course, organise the repair work to be undertaken again and hope that in future people respect the statue of Greyfriars Bobby."

We'll keep our nose to the ground for any further developments in the case.