Colourful character who roamed Edinburgh streets with 'pony and monkey' remembered

Mary Dunlop, Smokey the pony, and their monkey companion - weren't out of a novel - they real life characters that brought joy to Edinburgh children.

Edinburgh has long been home to its fair share of colorful characters, and one of the city's most beloved was Mary Dunlop, along with her animals.

Mary lived in the Grassmarket area and brought joy to children across the city by playing a mechanical barrel organ, pulled by her loyal pony, Smokey. To add to the charm, Mary was often accompanied by a capuchin monkey, making her a memorable sight in post-war Edinburgh.

Throughout the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, Mary, Smokey, and their monkey companion were familiar figures around the city, often performing outside St. Giles' Cathedral, says Edinburgh Live. Locals, especially children, affectionately nicknamed her "Monkey Mary." She became a staple of Edinburgh's streets, spreading music wherever she went, and was especially popular with the city’s younger residents.

In 1958, Mary’s barrel organ needed major repairs, and a group of West End locals came together to raise funds for its restoration. Sadly, when Mary passed away in 1966, Smokey was taken in by the SSPCA and retired to their center in Balerno. Today, Mary’s barrel organ is preserved and displayed at the Museum of Childhood on the Royal Mile, a fitting tribute to her legacy.

Edinburgh World Heritage described Mary as a "well-known West End character" who brought music to residents' doorsteps. Her story has been fondly remembered by many locals.

Edinburgh World Heritage said: “Throughout the 1940s, 50s and 60s Mary Dunlop was a well-known West End character, along with her white pony ‘Smoky ’ pulling her barrel organ on a small cart.

“She brought music to the doorstep of many residents in the streets, and was especially loved by local children who nicknamed her ‘Monkey Mary’. In 1958 a major overhaul of the barrel organ was needed, and a group of West Enders clubbed together to fund its repair.

“When Mary died in 1966 Smokey went into retirement in an SSPCA centre in Balerno. Mary’s barrel organ can still be seen today in the Museum of Childhood.”

Mary Dunlop’s legacy continues to live on through memories shared by Edinburgh residents and the preserved barrel organ, a testament to her unique place in the city’s history.

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Bill Harris commented: “I remember her well into the early ‘50s, around where we used to stay.”

Mairghread Ellis added: “I remember when she was an old lady. She used to be outside my old school in Queen Street, with a white pony.”

Morag Small said: “She used to play in Queen Street, outside my school. Teachers would get raging.”

Lizzie McDougall commented: “Oh the barrel organ lady! I loved her. She used to come round with her pony, who I adored.”

The image of Mary Dunlop was provided by the Living Memory Association, which you can find out more about here.

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