My final November fountain is from Scotland, though it is fairly typical of anywhere in the British Isles – a memorial fountain.
The heart of the oldest part of Dunkeld is ‘The Cross’, where the High Street broadens out to flow either side of a central area that was once home to the Mercat (or market) Cross.
The Atholl Memorial fountain was erected on the site of the market cross. It was funded by public subscription and built in 1866 to the memory of George Augustus Frederick John 6th Duke of Atholl. The duke had introduced a piped water supply to Dunkeld prior to which all water had to be drawn from the Tay, which explains all the wynds leading to the river.
Water Wynd
The fountain was designed by a Perth based architect C S Robertson with sculptures by John Rhind. Details in the carvings include birds and animals, gargoyles, family crests and masonic symbols – the 6th duke was Grand Master Mason of Scotland from 1843 until his death in 1864.
The result was highly decorative and also functional. The water that flows from the fountain in summer today is not drinkable, but when first built it could serve both passing humans and horses.
The ownership of the fountain was passed to the National Trust for Scotland in 1991 and restoration of the fountain including restoring the flow of water was carried out with donations from several organisations and people. The water is turned off in the winter to avoid freezing.
If you’d like to join in with the fountain challenge then please pop over to Polianthus for the rules
This month is the time to feature fountains from your own country. I’m sure she would love to see you.
Earth laughs in flowers 
This is a very substantial, dependable looking fountain. : In the town near where my mum lives there is a similar, but smaller. style of fountain, in fact I think there’s a particular Scottish look to them.
A Scottish look or a Victorian look? Be interesting if you can get a photo of your fountain next time you are up there.
Next time I’m in my home country I’ll not by-pass Dunkeld.
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