** WDC SMOLLETT FOUNTAIN UPDATE – FEBRUARY 2024 **
Alexandria Town Latest News
17th February 2024

** WDC SMOLLETT FOUNTAIN UPDATE – FEBRUARY 2024 **

WDC REGENERATION: SMOLLETT FOUNTAIN UPDATE

it’s been a while since the last update, which is not untypical of projects involving traditional skills and materials: the nature of this kind of work means that there are long periods of apparent inactivity while contractors wait on materials such as sandstone and iron. Furthermore, carving of stone for the gargoyles and the wooden templates (or patterns) for the missing parts of the heron are specialisms that are time-consuming.

It won't have gone unnoticed that the scaffolding has now been removed from the fountain to allow the contractor to begin work on the four largest ground level basins. Although in an ideal world the scaffolding would have remained until the heron had been fully repaired, this became impractical since the scaffolding was preventing work at lower levels. Instead, the heron will be installed from a mobile platform which will be exciting to watch!

Currently, with patterns for new wings and legs for the heron having been carved, there are moulds being created at the iron foundry (out of green sand) that will allow the replacement parts to be made in molten iron. These parts will then be 2 returned to the blacksmith who has the body of the heron safe in his workshop. He will attach them and pass the completed sculpture to a specialist who will apply gilding.

In the meantime, passers-by can now admire the eight replacement gargoyles all carved from scratch and unobtrusively signed by the stonemason Roddy MacDowall. They look suitably fierce. The four lowest gargoyles act as drains to the first tier basins (which have been lined in lead and infilled with a sedum planting mix).

Presently, the feature lighting scheme for the fountain is being fine-tuned. There will be spotlights to light the heron, and sophisticated LED strip lights to illuminate the lions’ heads. In the four lowest basins there will be colour changing ground lights. Once all of the lights have been installed a specialist programmer will be coming to site from Edinburgh to install lighting controls that will allow a range of different colour schemes to be applied throughout the year.

(WDC Regeneration)

Latest New

Alexandria News

Below you can read the latest news for around Alexandria in West Dunbartonshire. If you have any latest news you would like on this website, please submit your news to: Submit your latest news

Thumb
25th April 2025

ALEXANDRIA CC RESPONSE LETTER FOLLOWING WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE BUDGET 2025/26

ALEXANDRIA CC RESPONSE LETTER FOLLOWING WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE BUDGET 2025/26 ANNOUNCEMENT ON 5TH MARCH 2025. CORRESPONDENCE SENT TO ALL WDC COUNCILLORS, BOTH WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE MSPS AND MP FOR WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

Read More

Thumb
24th April 2025

Police Scotland: From bogus callers to rogue traders, doorstep criminals...

From bogus callers to rogue traders, doorstep criminals are cunning, creative, and convincing.

Read More

Thumb
22nd April 2025

Improving Lives: Supports Available for Disabled Adults

There are various supports available for disabled adults and those who care for them.

Read More

Thumb
16th April 2025

Request for Donations of Raffle and Tombola Prizes for Our Food for Thought Fundraiser

We are excited to announce our upcoming Coffee Morning Fundraiser for the Food for Thought Food Bank & Charity Shop

Read More

Thumb
25th February 2025

Spring Clean Alexandria: 13th - 27th of March

CATRA is asking everyone to join their "Spring Clean Alexandria," which will run from March 13th to March 27th.

Read More

Thumb
12th February 2025

First Bus Response About The Scheduled Changes To Bus Service Number 1 Proposed For March 2025

I can confirm that the changes we’re making to our network across the Vale of Leven are designed to improve the reliability of services for our customers and the communities we serve across West Dunbartonshire.

Read More

Thumb
12th February 2025

Experiencing unwanted calls from marketers and calls from outwith the UK?

Experiencing unwanted calls from marketers and calls from outwith the UK? Our trading standards team have a number of free call blocking devices available to eligible residents.

Read More

Thumb
31st January 2025

Alexandria CC Letter To Lloyds Banking Group

Alexandria CC Letter Sent To Lloyds Banking Group In Relation To The Scheduled Closure Of Bank Of Scotland Alexandria Branch On March 2026

Read More

Thumb
31st January 2025

FIRST GLASGOW - TIMETABLE CHANGES FROM 2ND MARCH 2025

It's official. You will no longer be able to get a bus to Glasgow directly from Alexandria from the above date.

Read More

Local information for Alexandria

Selection of key pages around Alexandria

Vale of Leven General Hospital in Alexandria

Vale of Leven General Hospital in Alexandria

Details about our Vale of Leven General Hospital in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire

Read More
Vale of Leven Bowling Club

Vale of Leven Bowling Club

Details about Vale of Leven Bowling Club in Alexandria.

Read More
About Alexandria Community Website

About Alexandria Community Website

Find out more about our Alexandria Community Website.

Read More
Alexandria Council Council Meeting held on Wednesday, 31st May 2023

Alexandria Council Council Meeting held on Wednesday, 31st May 2023

Read the meeting minutes for Alexandria Council Council Meeting held on Wednesday 31st May 2023

Read More
Haldane Youth Services

Haldane Youth Services

Details about Haldane Youth Services in Jamestown, West Dunbartonshire

Read More
1st Vale of Leven Boys Brigade and GIRLS Association

1st Vale of Leven Boys Brigade and GIRLS Association

Details about 1st Vale of Leven Boys Brigade and GIRLS Association

Read More
Tullichewan Tenants & Residents Association

Tullichewan Tenants & Residents Association

Read more about the Tullichewan Tenants & Residents Association

Read More
Alexandria Library

Alexandria Library

Details about Alexandria Library situated on Gilmour St, Alexandria G83 0DA

Read More
Vale of Leven FC

Vale of Leven FC

Details about Vale of Leven FC in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire

Read More

All Dressed Up
W & J Sloans
Vale of Leven Credit Union
Strathleven Financial Services Limited
Wilkie & Rider
Tip Top Barber Shop