The King’s Fountain at Linlithgow Palace, half way between Edinburgh and Stirling in Scotland, is to flow for the general public throughout August.

A major project led by Historic Scotland saw the elegantly carved 5m high stone fountain restored to its Renaissance splendour in 2005, but to protect it from damage it has only been turned on for a handful of occasions.

Commissioned by King James V in around 1538 it is believed to be the oldest surviving fountain in Britain. It was damaged in 1630 and more severely in 1746, about the same time as the palace burnt down.

The age of the stonework means the planned switch-ons will only take place when weather conditions allow. Use of the fountain is also limited as the water can corrode the stone.

Historic Scotland, the agency that cares for Linlithgow Palace will monitor its effects.