A LANDMARK feature in one of Scotland's most famous gardens will disappear for nearly a year as experts take it apart piece by piece for a revamp.

 

The 19th century Ross Fountain in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens West once sparked protests from a clergyman because of its depiction of nudity, the Scotsman reported.

 

The charitable trust leading efforts to rescue the fountain that has been dogged by leaks said it will be removed to allow it to be restored.

 

The entire 122 pieces originally shipped to Leith in 1969 will be dismantled and transported to Wigan where conservation experts will carry out the work.

 

The fountain, which has been out of action since 2010, is said to have suffered serious damage due to “substantial water loss” through its structure.

 

An underground chamber is to be built for the new fountain which will allow the water to be recycled when it is switched back on next year.

 

The £1.5 million project is being spearheaded by the Apex Hotels founder Norman Springford, who is also helping bankroll a replacement for the Ross Bandstand in the urban beauty spot in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.

 

The fountain was created by the Parisian cast iron manufacturer Antoine Durenne and features figures sculpted by the artist Jean-Baptiste Jules Klagmann, who made works for the Louvre and Luxembourg Gardens in Paris.

 

Architects behind the Kelvingrove Bandstand, the Shard and a Smithsonian museum are among those to make the shortlist for the £25m rebuild of the neighbouring Ross Bandstand.

 

The fountain was last refurbished in 2001 and has not sprung water for more than five years.

 

Richard Lewis, culture convener at the city council, said: “The Ross Fountain is one of the most iconic structures in Scotland.

 

"Over time, it has required maintenance and refurbishment, but is now in need of major conservation and investment.

 

"The Ross Development Trust’s support will enable us to do this."