Market Street fountain to be reinstated with firm health and safety regulations

It seems the Whyte-Melville fountain in Market Street is the latest feature to fall prey to Health and Safety regulations as it comes closer to its reinstatement to full working order next year. The fountain, which was erected in 1880, is thought to have been out of action for almost 80 years but restorations will begin in just eight weeks time.

The plan is to restore the fountain to working order but with a new, lower water pressure. The predominant reason for this is the fear of Legionnaires’ Disease spreading should the fountain be powered at its full strength. Legionnaires’ Disease is most commonly spread through a fine mist and has been a particularly troublesome health problem in Scotland in recent years, which may serve to offer some explanation as to why it is thought of as such a big issue for councillors.

The cost of the repairs is to be paid by the Pilgrim Foundation, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club and the St Andrews Common Good Fund.

Perhaps university students have had their part to play in the decisions, with some concerns about Raisin antics in the fountain having been raised. Since students seem to migrate towards it during the celebration, there are health and safety concerns about those who choose to splash around in the water on the day.

St Andrews may be famous for many things but it seems a bountifully flowing fountain is not to be one.

Image courtesy of trip advisor.com