Mary Queen of Scots fountain column to be shown

A 16th century fountain column linked to Mary Queen of Scots is to go on display as part of an exhibition exploring her life.

The column from the Linlithgow Palace fountain, dating back to around 1538. Picture: PA

The column was part of a water feature installed in the courtyard of Linlithgow Palace at the court of Mary’s father, James V.

Dating back to around 1538, the fountain is thought to be one of the oldest surviving in the UK.

Legend says it flowed with wine when Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed at the West Lothian palace in 1745.

The column has never been loaned before. Picture: PA

The column, which has never been loaned before, is being cleaned by Historic Scotland before travelling to be installed at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

It will feature in the museum’s Mary, Queen of Scots exhibition celebrating the monarch’s life thorough objects connected to her.

The exhibition opens on Friday, June 28.