Ross Fountain

The little blue sign says " No Bathing"   but there was no chance of that today in the Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens as not only was it too cold with a strong icy wind but there was no water.  This french ornate iron fountain which was displayed at the Great London Exposition in 1862 was presented to the City of Edinburgh in 1872 by Daniel Ross who sadly died before the 122 pieces had been reassembled.  Figures on the fountain include mermaids with four females depicting science, the arts, poetry, and industry and one standing at the apex of the fountain.   The Dean of the nearby St John's Church described it as "grossly indecent and disgusting" but it attracts the attention of many tourists especially with the castle behind.  It was agreed that the fountain should operate "on Sundays and when the band plays..."  but I think there are problems at the moment with the water supply as it hasn't flowed for a while.