Fountain due for essential rejuvenation

Work to restore a 130-year-old fountain in a Perthshire town will get under way this month.

Crieff ’s Murray Fountain will have its masonry repaired and repointed, as well as electrical works to provide new lighting.

The whole structure will also be cleaned.

The £120,000 project to improve the James Square landmark, which was constructed by William Mossman and installed in 1894, was announced last year. It is a working group partnership between Perth and Kinross Council and Crieff community organisations, including Crieff Community Trust, Crieff at Christmas, Crieff Museum, Crieff in Leaf and the council’s community greenspace and property services.

Supported by the council, Crieff Community Trust submitted successful funding applications to Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, the Scotland Loves

Local fund, Community Environmental Challenge Fund, SGN and Historic Environment Scotland, which raised £60,000 towards the total cost of the work.

Community trust chairwoman Ailsa Campbell said: “In Crieff we recognise the importance of collaborative working, and this successful partnership approach will ensure that this iconic monument in the centre of the town will be restored to its former glory and continue to be the focal point and welcoming space that locals and visitors know and love.”

The council’s environment and infrastructure convener, Councillor Eric Drysdale, said: “It’s fantastic news that Murray Fountain will stand proud for many decades to come as a result of this partnership project.

“I know it holds a special place in the affections of local people.

He added: “I would like to pay tribute to the dedication of the Crieff community who have worked so hard to make this a reality, and I look forward to work getting started.”

Conservation Scott Wallace, architect of EKJN

Architects, who has led the design team in obtaining permissions and preparing technical specifications for the project, said: “We’re delighted to assist with bringing a new lease of life to the fantastic Murray Fountain.

“Over the monument’s 130-year history it has stood proudly in the centre of Crieff.”

The Courier, 27 George Street, Perth, PH1 5JY

FOCAL POINT: Members of the restoration group next to Murray Fountain in Crieff.