New lease of life for Crieff fountain as £120k restoration project starts

Scaffolding around the Murray Fountain in Crieff's James Square
Work has started on the Murray Fountain in Crieff -Credit:Brian Wilton


Work to restore Crieff ’s 130-year-old Murray Fountain got under way earlier this week.

The improvement project, which was initially announced last year, will see the James Square landmark’s masonry repaired and repointed, as well as electrical work carried out to provide new lighting.

In addition, the whole structure will also be cleaned.

Constructed by William Mossman and installed in 1894, it has long been an aspiration of the Crieff community to see the Category B-listed focal point restored to its former glory.

The £120,000 project is a partnership between Crieff community organisations and Perth and Kinross Council.

Crieff Community Trust (CCT), Crieff at Christmas, Crieff and Strathearn Museum, Crieff in Leaf and the council’s community greenspace and property services teams have all worked together to take the scheme forward.

After several setbacks – including the Covid-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions – the working group announced late last week that efforts to restore the fountain would soon begin.

Supported by PKC, CCT submitted successful funding applications to Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, the Scotland Loves Local fund, the Community Environmental Challenge Fund, SGN, and Historic Environment Scotland – all of which helped to raise £60,000 towards the total cost of the work

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Historic picture of the Murray Fountain in the centre of Crieff
Crieff High Street in 1895, including a fairly new Murray Fountain -Credit:Culture Perth & Kinross Collection

CCT chair 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.”

Conservation architect Scott Wallace of EKJN Architects – who has led the design team in obtaining council permissions and preparing technical specifications for the project – added: “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.

“This project presents a wonderful opportunity to repair damage and weather-staining, while also reinstating lighting and improving the stone pointing to benefit the structure for years to come”.

Councillor Eric Drysdale is convener of the council’s environment and infrastructure committee.

The SNP elected member declared: “It’s fantastic news that the 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. 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.”

Strathearn ward Conservative councillor Noah Khogali
Strathearn ward Conservative councillor Noah Khogali, pictured near the fountain previously -Credit:Perth and Kinross Conservatives

Strathearn ward Conservative councillor Noah Khogali added: “I am absolutely delighted that the funding and permissions for work to begin on the Murray Fountain is now in place, largely due to the work of David McCann of CCT, among others.

“As everyone knows, it has been a very long road to get here, but it will be absolutely fantastic to see the fountain restored at the absolute heart of Crieff.”

PKC has said there will be some restrictions around the fountain and the wider James Square area for the three-month duration of the improvement project.