A TIGHT-KNIT community has been left “saddened” by extensive damage caused to a historical monument.
The Atholl Memorial Fountain has sat in the centre of Dunkeld for almost 150 years without incident.
In the early hours of Christmas Eve, however, drunken revellers climbing on top of the feature destroyed a significant part of it.
The centrepiece of the monument, which featured three entwined dolphins or fish-like creatures, has been broken off and the cost of repairs is estimated to be in the thousands.
National Trust for Scotland property manager Ben Notley told The Courier that those responsible were “lucky to be alive”.
“If they had fallen off and the broken pieces had fallen on top of them, they could have been killed because they really are very heavy,” he said.
“This one moment of madness has spoiled everyone’s enjoyment of something that is really very dear to the town.
“It’s such a shame because this is a focal point of Dunkeld and is something that every visitor wants to see when they come here.
“Anyone visiting over the festive period will now be faced with a sad and broken fountain that has been taped off, rather than the stunning monument they expected to see.”
Mr Notley also revealed that repairs will not be straightforward and funding is a major concern, as the NTS will have to source specialised metalworkers to replace the original feature, as well as expert masons.
He continued: “We are a charity and, like all other charities, money is tight and we could do without all these extra things.
“Although the fountain was paid for by the community, it was handed over to the NTS 20 years ago and we have looked after it since.
“I personally have given a lot of time over to managing it and ensuring it works every summer, unblocking the pipes and fixing other parts.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to said it’s just appalling and they are quite shocked this has happened, even though it was thoughtless rather than malicious.”
Built in 1866 as a tribute to George Augustus Frederick John 6th Duke of Atholl, who introduced piped water to Dunkeld, the fountain was funded by the public. It was designed by CS Robertson and erected on the site of the Market Cross, and is one of the most photographed attractions in the town.
sgray@thecourier.co.uk