The official ceremony to commemorate the complete restoration of the Dumfries fountain took place on Friday, 23rd June.
Following a restoration process, the fountain located on Dumfries high street was brought back to life. The ceremony itself was a vibrant affair, featuring captivating performances by the Dumfries Town Band, the Queen of the South Choir, and the talented dancers from the Dumfries School of Dance.
In attendance were local schoolchildren who had passionately campaigned for the fountain’s restoration. Their presence added to the significance of the event. In November of the previous year, the fountain was carefully removed from its place and transported to Lancashire for restoration. Earlier this month, it was returned to Dumfries.
The restoration project was undertaken by Lost Art, based in Wigan. The collaboration between Dumfries and Galloway Council and The Stove Network successfully managed the restoration process.
Since 1882, the fountain has been a landmark in the town, commemorating the supply of public drinking water. It serves as a reminder of the town’s history, particularly the transformative impact of introducing fresh water after the devastating cholera epidemics of 1832 and 1848.
To honour the victims of these outbreaks, a memorial has been erected in St Michael’s churchyard, ensuring their memory lives on.
