Greyfriars dog model fetches £3k

Published on 27/01/2013 00:00

A GIFT from Walt Disney to a Scot who helped with the ­filming of Greyfriars Bobby has been sold at auction.

The original plaster model of Edinburgh’s famous Skye Terrier dog was valued at £1,000 and sold for £3,100 at Lyon & Turnbull in the city yesterday.

The model of the loyal dog, who watched over his master’s grave in the city’s Greyfriars Churchyard until his own death years later, was bought by the Skye Terrier Club.

Margaret Cumming, granddaughter of the original owner, said: “I am so pleased that ‘Wee Bobby’ will not only be staying in Scotland, but will actually be on Skye. This couldn’t be better and I am quite sure my grandfather would be very happy.”

Originally it was owned by chief constable William Merrilees of Lothian and Peebles Constabulary. He was given the model by the company who made the famous statue after he helped with making the 1961 Disney film about Bobby. Merrilees became friends with Disney during a trip to the US and Disney ­contacted the Scot to suggest filming locations for the movie Greyfriars Bobby made by ­Disney Studios.

A Skye Terrier Club spokesman said: “We are delighted to have bought the statue. He will be returned to the Isle of Skye where he will become a centrepiece to a celebration of the breed on the island.”