Fountain And Sundial, Dundas Castle

The Fountain and Sundial at Dundas Castle, built in 1623, is a substantial and ornate square Renaissance fountain featuring 12 spouts for drinking. It is topped by a sundial on an octagonal pedestal and is approached by a flying-arched stair. The fountain is made of carved ashlar sandstone.

It showcases low-relief strapwork carving with projecting masks at intervals, from which lead water spouts emerge. Below these masks are corbelled water troughs. The fountain includes Latin inscriptions in carved cartouches positioned between pilasters. Each elevation has a central section of cornice that projects on carved consoles, except on the west side where the stair connects. The consoles are adorned with male and female heads, cherubs holding floral wreaths, and the cipher of Sir Walter Dundas. The angle compartments feature decorations of Dundas family emblems, including a lion's head emerging from a thicket, a lion gules, a salamander amidst flames, and the shield of Sir Walter Dundas quartered with that of his wife. The sundial pedestal is finished with winged termini.