Ross Fountain, Edinburgh 1979

The Ross Fountain is one of Edinburgh?s most recognisable and picturesque landmarks, situated at the west end of Princes Street Gardens with a dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Cast in iron and adorned with mythological figures, the fountain adds a striking splash of colour and elegance to the city?s historic centre.

It was designed and made in France by Antoine Durenne at the Val d?Osne foundry and first unveiled at the Great Exhibition in London in 1862. The fountain was later purchased as a gift to the city by local gunmaker and philanthropist Daniel Ross in 1869. It was transported to Edinburgh and officially installed in 1872.

With its ornate, French-style design featuring mermaids, cherubs, and classical figures, the Ross Fountain was a bold and somewhat controversial addition to the skyline at the time. Victorian critics were divided over its flamboyant style, but over time it became a beloved part of the city?s landscape.

After years of neglect, the fountain underwent a major ?1.9 million restoration between 2017 and 2018, funded by the Ross Development Trust. It was dismantled, cleaned, repaired, and repainted in a rich turquoise and gold scheme that restored it to its original grandeur. The water features and lighting were also modernised, and the fountain was reinstalled and unveiled in July 2018.