Visitor's Guide to Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh

"The Ross Fountain, made of cast iron at the foundry of Antoine Duvenne near Paris, France was shown at the Exhibition of 1862 in London. Daniel Ross, a local gun-maker interested in art and natural science, bought and gifted it to the City of Edinburgh. It was shipped in 122 pieces and arrived in Leith in September 1869. Sadly, he died before the fountain was operational in 1872.

"The figures were sculpted by Jean-Baptiste Klagmann who also made works for the Louvre and de medici fountains in Paris. The first tier has lion's head spouts and mermaid figures with flowing urns, sitting on scallop-shell basins. The four upper figures depict Science, Art, Poetry and Industry. At the top a beautifully modelled figure holds a cornucopia - cup of plenty.

"In 2001 the fountain was fully restored in a colaboration between The City of Edinburgh Council and East of Scotland Water."

So read the words on the plaque, close to the foot of The Ross Fountain. The fountain is truly beautiful and intricate - but one word of warning: if the automatic sprinklers are watering the plants close by when you visit, take care not to get unexpectedly soaked, as I did when taking these pictures and copying the text on the plaque! I was extremely glad that it was at least a warm day. I also seemed to provide some considerable source of amusement and entertainment for a passing group of Japanese tourists when I leaped about ten feet in the air. I just hope they didn't catch me on video camera and have me as the focus of attention on some Japanese comedy website!

The inscription on the base of this monument in Princes Street Gardens (West) reads as follows:

"THE CALL: 1914

"A Tribute From Men and Women of Scottish Blood and Sympathies in the United States of America to Scotland.

"'A People That Jeopardised their lives unto the Death in the High Places of the Field,' Judges V 18"

This open air venue hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, ostensibly to suit all tastes, but there can be little doubt that the main attraction is the New Year's Eve (or "Hogmanay") celebrations which are held along the length of Princes Street each year. Revellers pour into the city in their tens of thousands to attend the event and the party lasts long into the wee small hours.

At the end of May/beginning of June 2008, a large section of the West Gardens was closed off for several days to allow preparations for an event which was to be held at the bandstand and covered by Channel 4 television.