A year-long restoration project to one of Paisley's landmarks has been completed, Renfrewshire Council has announced.

In 2013, the town's A-listed Grand Fountain, which is located in the Fountain Gardens, was dismantled and removed from the site to be repaired by a specialist team before being returned and assembled. The cast-iron structure has been the focal point of the park since 1868, but over time the condition had deteriorated. It has now been restored to its original deep-red colour and condition.

While the fountain has been returned, the local authority has said that work is still ongoing to reconnect the water-flow system. An official opening will be held next month (6 August).

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Councillor Terry Kelly, Convener of Renfrewshire Council's Planning and Property Policy Board, said: "The project to restore the Grand Fountain has been a long time in the making but there is no question it was worth the wait.

"The fountain is looking spectacular and when you see it close up you can really appreciate the detail of this magnificent structure.

"I know many of our local residents will have fond memories of the fountain and surrounding park, and I would encourage them to get along and see it for themselves once the work is fully completed in the next week."

Mark Macmillan, Renfrewshire Council Leader, added: "Paisley has an outstanding built heritage, with the second-highest concentration of listed buildings of anywhere in Scotland – and the Grand Fountain is one of the finest examples of that.

"The council is working to make the most of those priceless assets – having this year unveiled ambitious plans to use Paisley's heritage and culture as the engine to drive a wide-ranging process of regeneration over the next decade."

The project cost £650,000 and was funded by Renfrewshire Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland.

(JP/IT)