Town celebrates Colvin Fountain

Locals honour landmark's 150th anniversary

- SHARON LIPTROTT

Some of the volunteers at the Moffat Museum event

The Colvin Fountain on the High Street - fondly known for its ram statue atop - has become the main symbol of Moffat's heritage as a Victorian spa town and centre of the wool trade.

The bronze ram is so loved by the residents and visitors alike, that in 2004 a major fundraising drive saved it by ensuring it had urgent repairs done and the former Victorian source of fresh drinking water became a floodlit fountain.

It was led, at the time, by Moffat and District Community Council, with sponsorship from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Coop.

And on Sunday, led by the Moffat Promotions Group, it was honoured with recognition for its 150th Anniversary.

On a stage at the annual Christmas Festival, Moffat's Shepherd and Lass toasted the Ram and switched on the statue's own lights to loud applause.

The town-crier spoke about the Ram and its history and there was a singalong of a specially commissioned song about it.