Robert Stewart had been Lord Provost when the scheme was first proposed in 1854 and had fought strongly against powerful commercial interests to bring the scheme into being.
The statue is based on themes from Sir Walter Scott’s ‘Lady of the lake’ and the main figurine represents the fair Ellen.
The fountain basin, 30 feet in diameter, is enriched with circular panels containing the signs of the zodiac, between which are panels carved with representations of fish indigenous to the loch waters. Aquatic plants, birds and animals are represented in other parts of the monument.
The outer base has lunette-shaped panels, the south panel features an alto relevo of Lord Provost Stewart flanked by the City Arms and the Arms of Stewart; the west face with an allegorical subject representing the source of the water; the east face representing the introduction of the water to the City, and the north panel, flanked by shields, holds the inscription plate.
On the basin rim are four drinking fountains formerly superimposed by Cherubs. The Council is involved with Scottish Water with the intention of developing proposals to install a water recirculating system which will allow the fountain to operate in a more environmentally and financially sustainable manner.
Category ‘A’ listed |