Dogs take lead as dignitaries gather to see statue of Bum

A MEMORIAL statue to San Diego's most famous dog was set to be unveiled in Princes Street Gardens today with a dog parade in its honour.

The statue of Bum – described as the US equivalent to Greyfriars Bobby – was to be formally unveiled in a ceremony attended by 15 dignitaries from San Diego, along with John Wilson, president of the Edinburgh San Diego Twin City Association.

Before the event at 1pm, there will be a parade of dozens of dogs through the Gardens, led by members of the Skye Terrier Association dressed in Victorian costume.

The campaign to find a home for a statue of Bum was started last year, after a replica statue of Bobby was placed next to the official Bum memorial in San Diego's historic Gas Lamp Quarter. The dog takes its name from the American use of the word "bum" to describe a street drunk.

The new statue is seen as a symbol of the links between Edinburgh and San Diego, which were twinned in 1978.

The American dog's story is similar to that of Edinburgh's most famous pet.

Bum, said to have arrived in San Diego as a stray in the late 19th century, is reputed to have lost a leg while rescuing a puppy on a railway track. He then developed a taste for alcohol after hanging around some of the city's bars where drinkers adopted him as their own.

He was, however, nursed back to health and spent much of his time giving rides to children.

It had originally been hoped the statue honouring the three-legged crossbreed would be given a spot close to the memorial for Greyfriars Bobby, on George IV Bridge.

However, the council later agreed to a spot near the King's Stables Road entrance to the Gardens, marking the far end of the territory Greyfriars Bobby is said to have roamed.

Following the ceremony the visitors will tonight attend a civic reception in the City Chambers, followed by a celebration ceilidh.

Councillor Alastair Paisley said: "I was delighted to be asked to take part in this, as I don't think we have done enough to encourage the twinning link with San Diego.

"This might hopefully be the start of a more regular association, and I think the statue has certainly been given a fantastic site.

"It will no doubt prove to be very popular with visitors, particularly from America, and is a lovely addition to the park."

Mr Wilson hoped local children would bring their pet dogs out to join the parade, which starts at 12.30pm from St Cuthbert's Church Hall, on Princes Street, before heading through the Gardens to the statue. He said: "I hope it is a great family occasion, as it is the end of what feels like a very long journey, even though it has taken less than a year.

He added: "It is also pleasing to see so many people have come over from San Diego for the ceremony."