A historical monument is being held together by rope more than six months after it was destroyed by drunken revellers.
The Atholl Memorial Fountain sat in the centre of Dunkeld for almost 150 years without incident.
In the early hours of Christmas Eve last year, however, a large part of it was ruined when someone climbed on top of the feature.
The centrepiece of the monument, which featured three entwined dolphins or fish-like creatures, was broken off and the cost of repairs is estimated to be around £10,000.
Now, several months on, the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has confirmed that repairs will not be made until a report on the fountain’s condition has been published.
Although generous locals and visitors have donated enough to cover the work needed to make it safe, the popular attraction has been left in a state of disrepair.
NTS property manager Ben Notley explained the delay, saying: “Regular reviews of the condition of all historic buildings and monument are part of the National Trust’s management and last year the trust had identified the need to review the condition of the fountain.
“We had found some funds from a grant to carry out the specialist inspection needed and possibly some basic maintenance. However, the recent damage and any more major work will be in addition to this.”
He added: “It made sense to combine the work.”
Mr Notley revealed that a detailed survey was carried out in March by Nicolas Boyes Stone Conservation, which specialises in monuments like the Atholl Memorial Fountain.
He added: “An appeal has been set up that will evenly split income between the repair work and provision of a village well in Kenya to transform life in a village there.
“As soon as we have the report, the trust will plan for work to be carried out, based on the urgency and funds available.”
Built in 1866 as a tribute to George Augustus Frederick John, 6th Duke of Atholl, who introduced piped water to Dunkeld, the fountain was funded by the public.
It was designed by CS Robertson and erected on the site of the Market Cross and is one of the most photographed attractions in the town.