Is it a Unicorn that stands on top of The Dennistoun Memorial at Greyfriars ? Naturally it would have needed a single horn to be a Unicorn, but such a delicate appendage could easily have fallen off since the monument was erected in 1626. Perhaps the beard is a clue as Unicorns are traditionally depicted with a beard. In the 19thC photo there is the suggestion of a horn, but it’s a low resolution image and I may well be seeing things. The Unicorn as the National Animal Emblem of Scotland was very prevalent in the 17thC, appearing on top of Mercat Crosses all over Scotland. The example below is from The High Street Mercat Cross in Edinburgh. Dennistoun was a Scottish Ambassador so may well have been very fond of the Unicorn symbol. What do you think ?
Friends of Greyfriars Kirkyard 