The historic Whyte Melville Memorial Fountain has officially returned to operation in the heart of St Andrews following the completion of a major restoration project funded by the St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation and project-managed by Fife Council.

The fountain was formally switched on during a special event in Market Street, marking the culmination of years of conservation work to safeguard one of the town's most recognisable landmarks for future generations and to preserve the memory of Major Whyte-Melville.

The restoration project included extensive conservation of the fountain's structure, alongside essential repairs to its foundations and the installation of new drainage. Earlier this year, members of the North East Fife Area Committee approved funding of £7,250 from the St Andrews Common Good Fund to support critical works identified during the restoration process.

The project was initiated and has been led by the St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation, which invested approximately £130,000 towards the restoration and commissioned specialist heritage and conservation studies to guide the work.

Cllr Jonny Tepp, Convenor of the North East Fife Area Committee said: "It is fantastic to see the Whyte Melville Fountain restored and operating once again in the centre of St Andrews. This much-loved landmark is an important part of the town's heritage and streetscape, and its return is the result of a tremendous collaborative effort and the work of the St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation.  The Committee was pleased to provide £7K of support  via the Common Good Fund for the fountain’s foundations, helping to ensure that this historic asset can be enjoyed by residents and visitors for many years to come."

Dita Stanis-Traken, Chair of the St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation, said:"This is a truly significant and emotional moment for me and for everyone involved in the project. The restoration of the Whyte Melville Memorial Fountain has been the Foundation's most ambitious conservative undertaking, representing years of planning and fundraising . We are grateful to Fife Council, as stewards of the Common Good, for their support throughout the contractual process, and to our patron, the Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation, whose funding hasmade this project possible. Seeing water cascading once more from this iconic fountain is a great boon for the community and with its central location, a fitting celebration of the rich heritage of St Andrews."

The Whyte Melville Fountain occupies a prominent position on Market Street and has long been a focal point for residents and visitors alike. Its restoration ensures the continued preservation of an important historic feature while enhancing the town centre for future generations.

Fife Council and the St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation are now exploring ways to support the fountain's long-term future, including opportunities for community involvement in helping safeguard the landmark in years to come.

To learn more about the St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation and its heritage and conservation projects across St Andrews, visit www.pilgrimfoundation.org.