Comiston Springs: Peewit Spring Head 1, Oxgangs Street, Edinburgh

One of 7 square or retangular dressed stone buildings over original (1676) springs set along separate named pipe lines feeding into Comiston Springs Waterhouse. Structures over springs of varying dates due to maintenance and repair, the earliest probably dating to the late 17th century.

These structures relate to Edinburgh's first piped water supply (defunct since 1945). The engineer was Peter Brauss of Holland, contracted by Sir William Bruce. Robert Mylne, King's Mater Mason, was contracted by Bruce to build spring heads, wells and cisterns. (Historic Environment Scotland)

2 May 2012: The Cockburn Association bring the building to the attention of BARR. For Investigation.

8 May 2012: External inspection finds the small temple style springhead isolated in a former primary school site and beginning to suffer from encouraging vegetation. Vegetation growth to the roof is a concern and there are several large gaps between moulded stones. Some dampness is evident to walls.

10 March 2015: External inspection finds the building remains in much the same condition as seen previously. The vegetation continues to engulf the structure.

9 October 2020: External inspection finds changes in condition. Now in a large building site sitting on edge of new trench but still with vegetation encroaching. Building is at high risk until building works are completed Planning application 18/01055/FUL conditionally granted shows Springhead adjacent to new access path. Planning application 17/02621/LBC conditionally granted for restoration of well head. Risk changed to High.