Glasgow fundraiser to save historic fountain reaches milestone

Members of the Friends of Alexandra Park took matters into their own hands a few years ago and started collecting money for the refurbishment of a beloved structure.

They say the iconic Saracen Fountain, located at the south-west corner of the green space, has been neglected for a decade.

Friends of Alexandra Park vice chair Allan Scott, Councillor Elaine McDougall and Councillor Ann Jenkins (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

Gemma Hay, secretary of Friends of Alexandra Park, said: “It was made in 1901, by David Watson Stevenson, for the International Exhibition and relocated in 1914 to Alexandra Park in the East End of Glasgow.

“The group has been running since 2017 and we have been trying since then to get funding for the fountain. It’s in disrepair quite badly.”

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The cause has recently reached £1000 online, and is supported by councillors Elaine McDougall and Ann Jenkins.

Friends of Alexandra Park vice chair Allan Scott, Councillor Elaine McDougall and Councillor Ann Jenkins (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

Friends of Alexandra Park badge (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

The former said: "I’ve been a councillor for 30 years and lived in the area for the biggest part of my life. I would say in the last 10 years, the fountain has fallen into serious disrepair.

“To bring it back to its former glory, when we first took over the group, we had a meeting and it was costing roughly in the reach of £1m to restore it.

“It’s probably more now, given the cost of living crisis."

In an effort to raise more money, the volunteers decided to gather financial backing little by little, from  Heritage Scotland, the National Records of Scotland, as well as the council.

The Dennistoun politician added: “There are only three of these fountains in the world, one in South Africa and one was down South but the authorities scrapped it.

“We will continue to keep fighting to get the fountain back to its former glory because Alexandra Park is probably one of the nicest parks in Glasgow."

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According to the fundraisers, the feature is in need of serious work, which would require it to be taken away to Sheffield to be repaired.

They are nervous about whether it would return, but say it is worth the risk.

Saracen Fountain (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

Saracen Fountain (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

Councillor for East Centre, Ann Jenkins said: “It’s the second most famous thing in our park, obviously the swans being number one.

“It’s a really beautifully kept park, the council does an amazing job at keeping it beautiful and this is probably one of the reasons we get so many visitors.

“It’s a shame that this fountain is just being left to rot away because it’s a stunning piece of artwork.

“I think it means everything to the community. It’s beautiful and it dates back to the beginning of the century. If you look at pictures when it was at its former glory, and now, you can clearly see the difference.

“People keep asking the group what we are doing to save it and we have to explain that we are trying this and that but hopefully, the new funding streams within Glasgow City Council will help us."

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A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said: “We are in regular contact with the Friends of Alexandra Park and we are aware of their concerns about the fountain.

“Our budgets are currently facing significant pressure and no budget has been allocated in relation to the fountain at this time, although we will keep this under review.

“We will continue to provide whatever assistance we can to the Friends Of group in support of their efforts to identify alternative sources of funding.”