This picture is of Ross Fountain, sitting below Edinburgh Castle in Princes Street Gardens.  I think it's stunning but unfortunately since 2010 it has been fenced off from the public and empty of water due to structural damage... but the time has now come for it to be sent away to be fixed.  Yes, you heard correctly, the word is that they are sending it down south to be fixed...clearly not enough fountain-fixers up here. 
Anyway, it's a stunning piece of sculpture of French design, dating from the 19th century. The ground-level circular basin is made from Craigleith sandstone and the main basin is decorated with walrus head designs.  The main section above the water-level depicts mermaids pouring water from urns, interspersed with lions heads and scalloped shells.  Near the top are four female figures depicting Science, Arts, Poetry and Industry.  Above these figures stands one final female figurine holding aloft a cornucopia.  The sculptor - Jean-Baptiste Jules Klagmann - also created works for the Louvre and the D'Medici  Fountains in Luxembourg Gardens, Paris.  In 1862, the fountain was on display at the Great Exhibition in London when an Edinburgh man, gun-maker Daniel Ross, saw the admiration it was attracting, bought it and gifted it to the people of Edinburgh.  It was then shipped to Leith in 122 pieces in 1869.  A smaller version stands in Pelotas in Brazil.  There was much discussion regarding where the fountain was to be placed, with some describing it as 'disgusting' and 'unfitting'.  It was decided to be placed in West Princes Street Gardens and was to be working on Sundays and 'when the band played'.  It became operational in 1872 but unfortunately, Daniel Ross died the year before and so never saw the fountain built and working. 
How many visitors just walk past, or take photos not knowing the full story?  Now you know   :o)