White and polished red granite distinguish Thomas Biggart’s 1876 gift to Dalry, a tiered public fountain later moved from Courthill Street.
Quick facts
- Date
- Dated 1876; moved about 2009–2010
- Architect / designer
- Maker not identified
- Type
- Tiered public drinking fountain in red and white granite
- Designation
- Listed building, Category C (LB1190)
- OS grid reference
- NS 29241 49369
Architecture and continuing use
A quatrefoil lower basin supports clustered banded columns and a second basin, with a smaller upper bowl above. Gabled bases, stylised capitals and contrasting granite colours give the utilitarian gift a strongly ornamental form.
Its story
Thomas Biggart of Baidland presented the fountain to Dalry’s inhabitants in 1876. It was relocated from Courthill Street to the Townend Street area around 2009–2010, and the HES record was updated in 2020 to note the move.
Why it is included
It represents public water provision, benefaction and the important fact that a historic object can retain its designation after relocation.
What to notice
- The quatrefoil outline of the lower basin.
- Contrasting white and polished red granite.
- The donor inscription recording the 1876 gift.
Reading the surroundings
Approach from safe public space and keep clear of traffic. Do not drink from the fountain unless current signage explicitly confirms potable water, and do not climb the basins.
Timeline
- 1876 Thomas Biggart presented the tiered granite fountain to Dalry.
- About 2009–2010 The monument moved from Courthill Street to the Townend Street area.
- 27 January 2020 Historic Environment Scotland updated the record to document the relocation.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The monument’s commemorative and architectural survival is verified, but no claim is made that it remains connected to safe drinking water.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Courthill Fountain, LB1190 — Current designation status, official mapped location, date, fabric and significance.
- North Ayrshire Heritage: Dalry — Local-authority context for the settlement and its public history; the current HES record separately supplies the relocation evidence.
- Trove search: Courthill Fountain Dalry — National collection search for site records, surveys and archive material.
Location
OS grid reference NS 29241 49369 · Location confidence: High: the current national designation supplies an exact mapped National Grid Reference; public text separately states access and current-use uncertainty. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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