This latest blog post describes how Machan Engineering was responsible for the project management aspect of the reinstatement of a historical landmark in the small Lanarkshire town of Lesmahagow.

Lesmahagow is a small town near Lanark in the central belt of Scotland. In 1926, the original pergola and water fountain were removed from an area of the village known as ‘The Fountain’, because the structure was deemed to be interfering with the bus route into the village.

A picture showing the original drinking fountain and pergola, which was removed in 1926 to allow for bus access.

After pressure from local residents, South Lanarkshire Council granted permission for the pergola and fountain to be reinstated. The Council contacted Machan Engineering to manufacture and install an exact replica of the original. The old structure had been cast by the Walter MacFarlane Saracen Foundry, whose work includes the Bailie James Martin Memorial Drinking Fountain, which is situated in Glasgow Green.

Original drinking fountain and pergola, Lesmahagow

Machan Engineering set about researching the cast iron fountain and pergola and, using local expertise in the shape of Denny-based Specialised Castings Ltd, who were able to procure the original moulds for some of the pieces. Other pieces were created from scratch, using drawings of the original as a guide.

The new structure with drininking fountain inside as recreated by Machan Engineering, Specilaised Castings and JPS for South Lanarkshire Council

Machan Engineering also called on the expertise of local company JPS Restoration & Property Services, as to how the pieces should be put together. JPS was also the installer. Machan Engineering acted as project manager throughout, and was also responsible for the painting of the structures on site.

The junction of New Trows Road and Abbey Green in Lesmahagow had always been known as The Fountain, but since 1926, the area had been without a structure to justify its name.

Machan’s expertise and relationships with local tradespeople were pivotal in recreating the beautiful pergola and water fountain from original materials, resulting in the reinstatement of this historical landmark.

For more information about Machan Engineering products and services please visit www.machanengineering.com or give us a call on (+44) 01324 824309 to see how we can help you with your project.