The Ram has become a symbol of the town – although, officially, it is known as the Colvin Fountain. That’s because, in 1875, the bronze ram sculpture and sandstone drinking fountain were commissioned by a local businessman, William Colvin, of nearby Craigielands, in Beattock. It was a gift to the town to commemorate its long association with sheep farming and the wool trade.
The artist chosen to undertake the work was the celebrated Scottish sculptor, William Brodie. Brodie exhibited at the Royal Academy and the Royal Scottish Academy, but his most famous work is the statue of the faithful dog, Greyfriars Bobby, in Edinburgh.
According to legend, at the unveiling of the statue, a local farmer exclaimed, “It has nae lugs!” which, in English, translates “It has no ears!” And he was right, as the otherwise perfect sculpture is totally lacking ears.
Legend says that Brodie was so embarrassed at his mistake that he returned to his room in at Annadale Arms Hotel and hanged himself. Another legend says that Brodie haunts the hotel corridors to this day, perhaps searching for the lugs. However, there is absolutely no truth in these so-called legends! Brodie died peacefully at his home in Edinburgh in 1881.
You may have noticed that Moffat High Street in remarkably wide: this is because sheep and other markets were held in the central space – until the 1890s, when Moffat had become a famous spa town, attracting visitors from far and wide, so trees were planted there.
