Official opening of £120K renovation of the historic feature in James Square
The newly refurbished Murray Fountain in Crieff is to be unveiled at a special event this evening (Thursday).
Provost Xander McDade will be joined by representatives of local organisations who helped to raise the £120,000 needed for the project on the night.
This has seen the James Square landmark’s masonry repaired and repointed, as well as new lighting installed.
The structure has also been cleaned, and the plumbing has been restored should it be possible to reconnect the fountain to the water supply in future.
Here, David Ferguson looks back at the fountain’s history ...
In 1874, and again in 1876, the idea of erecting a public fountain in Crieff was discussed – but it wasn’t seriously pursued for another 17 years.
The final push for the project came with the impending 21st birthday of William Keith Murray, the eldest son and heir of the esteemed Baronet of Ochtertyre, on April 8, 1893.
In February 1893, Provost Adie brought the matter to the Town Council’s attention, suggesting that they celebrate the occasion with the Ochtertyre family, and show their gratitude to the generous Baronet for his exceptional contributions to the town’s water supply.
The Town Council promptly formed a committee to consider the proposal of erecting a fountain in James Square.
This fountain would serve as a lasting tribute to the Baronet, who, despite not owning land in Crieff, had provided the town with an invaluable gift – a free and pure water supply.
After a day of splendid celebrations for young William Murray’s 21st birthday, the Town Council began arranging for the erection of the fountain.
Numerous competitive designs were submitted from various places and exhibited in the Town Hall, including small models, which generated significant interest.
By October 1893, the designs were narrowed down to a shortlist of three – by D Beveridge from Perth, JL Thomson from Perth and W Mossman from Glasgow.
It was agreed that the Murray family would make the final choice, and David Keith Murray was appointed to decide. He selected Mr Mossman’s design as the most suitable.
The fountain was planned to be 26’ (7.9 metres) in height and 17’ (5m) wide at the base and the design, inspired by the Ionic order of classic architecture, features Corinthian pillars crowned by four dolphins as a pleasing finish.
The structure is made of silver- grey granite from Kircudbrightshire, with basins and pilasters of red polished Peterhead granite.
After some delays, work commenced at the end of April 1894, and the fountain was erected in James Square and officially opened on October 6, 1894.
The fountain cost around £500 to £600, which was mostly paid for by local subscriptions. On one side is the Coat of Arms of the Murrays, and on another the Seal of the Burgh of Crieff.
The following inscription is carved on the north side: “Murray Fountain, 1893 - Erected by the inhabitants of the Burgh of Crieff.
A recognition of many benefits received from the Murrays of Ochtertyre.”
Although the Town Council initially planned another grand demonstration and procession to Ochtertyre, they respected Sir Patrick Murray’s wish for a quiet ceremony and abandoned the proposal.
On the day of the opening ceremony, shops closed from 2-6pm, and, at 3pm, local brass and flute bands paraded the streets – filling James Square with music and a large crowd.
Shortly before the Murray family and friends arrived from Ochtertyre at 3.30pm, the Magistrates and Commissioners marched from the Town Hall to James Square.
Following their arrival, two carriages from Ochtertyre drove up to the fountain.
The first carriage contained Sir Patrick Keith Murray, Miss Keith Murray, William Keith Murray, and Miss Penney.
The second carriage held the Misses Murray of Fintry Lodge, Mrs Keddie, and Mr Hanson.
As they alighted, they were greeted with loud cheers.
After presenting Miss Ione Keith Murray with a beautiful bouquet of hot-house flowers and ferns, Provost Adie made a few remarks and then asked her, the only daughter of Sir Patrick, to turn on the water, presenting her with a gold key for the purpose.
This key, supplied by John McOwan – a jeweller on West High Street – was beautifully designed and highly ornamented.
It was about 5” (13 centimetres) long, with the handle displaying the Murray Arms on a shield in coloured enamels, flanked by floral wreaths.
Below the shield was a ribbon bearing the Murray motto: ‘Ex bello quies’ – or ‘Rest from War’.
Above the shield was an olive branch in green enamel, and the following inscription was on the back:
“Presented to Miss Keith Murray of Ochtertyre on the occasion of her opening the Murray Fountain. – Crieff, October 1894.”
As Provost Adie began his speech, he placed his hat in one of the fountain’s basins and forgot about it.
Fortunately, just before Miss Murray turned the key, Mr Connon noticed the hat and rescued it from its precarious position.
Miss Murray then performed the ceremony, and water burst forth from the various jets amid cheers, while the band played ‘Bonnie Ochtertyre’.
Bailie Malcolm Finlayson then asked the assembled crowd to heartily thank Miss Murray for her presence, which they did.
While the Bailie was speaking, David Gorrie, a Crieff local, broke through the barricade with a child in his arms, rushed to the nearest jet, gave the child the first drink from the fountain, and took the second himself.
This spontaneous act delighted the crowd, and they cheered him warmly as he returned.
William Keith Murray then expressed thanks on behalf of his sister, concluding the proceedings in the Square.
The bands marched through the principal streets to Market Park, where dancing continued for some time, marking the end of another memorable day in Crieff’s history.
• Mr Ferguson submitted this article on behalf of Crieff and Strathearn Museum, which is based within the former Town Hall in the High Street.
Among the exhibits is the ceremonial key used to turn on the Murray Fountain in 1894.