Crosswell Fountain

The Crosswell Fountain is a beautiful structure, that sits proudly on Kinross High Street. It was built in 1885, on the site of a well that brought desperately needed clean water to the people of Kinross.

We had passed the fountain many times over the years, but it was not until an early morning adventure to Lochleven Castle that we stop to take a further look.

During the 19th century, the town was hit badly by infectious diseases including cholera. This led to the decision by the Town Council in 1880, to supply clean water to its residents, and by 1884 the first gravitational water supply was created. The well was built in the old market place, next to the old county building, tollbooth and church.

The original well pumped 70,000 gallons of fresh clean spring water, from the nearby Clash Springs to the well.

In 1885, Robert Burns Begg, a local solicitor and grand-nephew to the poet Robert Burns, formed a committee to gain funding for a grand ornamental fountain, that would be placed at the site of the well.

By 12th December 1885, the money was raided, the design was agreed and the foundation stone was laid above the original well. During the laying of the foundation stone, the Master at the local Masons Lodge inserted a time capsule that contained coins of the day, a voters roll and a local newspaper.

In July 1886, the octagonal gothic style fountain was handed over to Robert Burns Begg and was installed on the foundation stone.

I tried to find out who designed and built the fountain, but unfortunately came back empty handed. Please let the team know if you have these details, so we may share them.

In 1979, the area directly around the fountain became a conservation area, and the Crosswell Fountain was given a Category C Listed Building status with Historic Environment Scotland.

In 2015, £1.5 million was spent on improvements to Kinross High Street, but sadly there wasn't enough money to restore the fountain. So in 2018, Kinross in Bloom decided to commission a report to find out how much it would cost to restore the fountain.

It was found that the structure was in good order, but the base had moved over time and they were advised that it needed to be lifted and reset, along with a stone at the top of the fountain which had moved. The estimated cost was £20,000, which was raised by local businesses, local residents and money that Perth and Kinross Council had set aside. It would not be possible to restore the mechanics of the fountain, as it was too expensive.

By 2020, the restoration project was complete, and an information board was added next to the fountain.

There is roadside parking available in the neighbouring streets for those who wish to visit the fountain.