Lottery cash to help protect Edinburgh's Greyfriars Kirkyard

ICONIC Greyfriars Kirkyard has been handed a five-figure boost by lottery chiefs to help protect it from over-tourism.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded a grant of £65,800 to Edinburgh World Heritage for its community engagement project at the landmark.

Heritage chiefs say the money will help protect the historically important attraction for generations to come.

Dr Susan Buckham, Edinburgh World Heritage’s graveyards development officer, said: “Edinburgh World Heritage is delighted to support Greyfriars Kirk’s 400-year centenary through our new two-year project Making Lasting Impressions: Greyfriars Kirkyard Community Learning and Interpretation.

“Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this exciting project brings together a diverse range of voices including young people, homeless people, Edinburgh’s Polish community, locals, heritage volunteers and Kirk volunteers and staff to capture and celebrate why Greyfriars Kirkyard is such an important part of our World Heritage city.

“The project aims to forge a lasting connection to the Kirkyard as a community resource to ensure that it is here to be enjoyed for the next 400 years.”

Founded in 1562 with land gifted by Mary Queen of Scots, Sir Walter Scott described Greyfriars as ‘the Westminster Abbey of Scotland’ in recognition of the significance of those buried there and its role in nationally-important events.

Perhaps most famously, the graveyard is associated with Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who guarded his master's grave.

Bobby's headstone at the entrance to the Kirkyard, erected by the Dog Aid Society in 1981, marks his reputed burial place.

Another theory, however, suggests he was buried under a tree outside the gates to the right of the current main entrance.

The dog's statue is opposite the graveyard's gate, at the junction of George IV Bridge and Candlemaker Row.

The grave of Edinburgh police officer John Gray, where the dog famously slept for 13 years, lies on the eastern path, some 30m north of the entrance. The stone is modern, the grave originally being unmarked.

Located within the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site, Greyfriars Kirkyard is at risk from weathering and erosion but also from limited resources, over-tourism.

The two-year project aims to protect its status as a community greenspace as well as a visitor attraction.

Those involved will use tools such as cutting-edge technology and game-playing to make interpretation accessible and engaging.

Caroline Clark, Director Scotland of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The story of Greyfriars’ Bobby is known and loved internationally and attracts many visitors through the gates of the historic graveyard.

“Thanks to National Lottery funding, the exploits of this loyal Skye Terrier will now bring young and old together as they explore his story and create new interpretation for everyone to enjoy.”