Sir William Collins (1817-1895) was a famous figure in the temperance movement who served as Glasgow's Lord Provost between 1877 and 1880.

He joined his father, William Collins, printing company in 1848 and helped expand the business into publishing. In 1868, his two sons became partners in the business and it was renamed William Collins, Sons & Co.

Sir William Collins was also politically active, campaigning for the temperance cause throughout his life. Aside from serving as Lord Provost, he also was elected to the Town Council as a Liberal in 1868, became a magistrate in 1873, helped to form the Glasgow Liberal Association in 1878 and became involved in the Glasgow School Board (1888-1894).

In recognition of his public service, in 1880 he was knighted and in 1881 supporters of the temperance movement, erected a fountain in his name, in Glasgow Green.

"Erected by temperance reformers in recognition of valuable services rendered to the temperance cause by Sir William Collins, Lord Provost of the City of Glasgow 1877-1880. 29th October 1881."