Hugh MacDonald was a poet, author, and sub-editor of the 'Glasgow Citizen' newspaper,Known principally for his "Rambles Round Glasgow" which consisted of descriptions of a series of walks which always began at Glasgow Green. A writer of characteristic Scottish lyrics, the inscription on the fountain is a quote from a poem he wrote in honour of the Paisley poet Robert Tannahill.

The bonnie wee well on the breist o' the brae,

Where the hare steals to drink in the gloamin' sae gray'

Where the wild moorlan' birds dip their nebs and tak' wing,

And the lark weets his whistle ere mounting to sing.