A masterpiece of Renaissance stonemasonry, the fountain was returned to working order in 2005 after a major restoration and conservation project by Historic Scotland.

Each Sunday in July and August, visitors to the Palace will be able to see it flow, just as it did in the days of its creator King James V.

Susan Loch, Head of Visitor Services at Historic Scotland said:
‘The fountain is a spectacular piece of craftsmanship and we are delighted to give people the chance to see it in action once more. It is an opportunity to get a little closer to what the Palace would have been like when it was a favourite residence of Scottish kings and queens.’

The age and friable condition of the stonework mean that Historic Scotland is currently only able to have the fountain running on selected occasions. Special arrangements are in place to help protect the fountain with careful monitoring to detect any possible erosion caused by flowing water to original and new sections. Hi-tech 3D laser scans have been taken which mean that exact comparisons can be made to spot any changes as early as possible.

The fountain, commissioned around 1537 and thought to be the oldest in working order in Britain, will run from 9.30am to 5.00pm each Sunday from 1st July to 26th August.