The Mercat Cross is returning to Inverkeithing!
We are delighted to let you know that the Mercat Cross is returning to Inverkeithing after major conservation repairs at the Graciella Ainsworth Sculpture Conservation workshops in Ratho.
The Mercat Cross was the symbol of Inverkeithing’s power and right to trade during the medieval period. It was originally located in the High Street but was moved to Townhall Street in 1799 and then to Bank Street sometime before 1974. It is now returning to a new, central position in the market square area of the High Street.
The repairs to the Mercat Cross have all been carried out to a high conservation standard. Rusting metal fixings and old cement repairs on the column and the unicorn were damaging the stone and have been carefully removed. Three historic fixings in the lower column have been cleaned down, galvanised and then painted three times before being put back in place. This will stop further corrosion and damage.
The lower section of the column is historic, while the middle section is modern. A new stainless steel fixing plate, set in a bed of lime mortar, will join these two sections together securely. This will protect the old stone and won’t be visible. The steel plate was designed by Narro structural engineers and laser cut and manufactured by Blake’s Metal Centre.
Samples of the paintwork have been analysed by Lincoln University to determine (as far as possible) the original appearance of the Mercat Cross. The results of this research have informed the new colour scheme, and the Mercat Cross has been painted using a traditional lead-based paint.
New bronze gnomons have been made for the sundial faces, and the Mercat Cross will be carefully orientated so that these can be used to tell the time again!
A lead and bronze detail was discovered within the base of the Mercat Cross, and it is possible that this could be an old time capsule! It remains intact in the stone for future generations to explore. Pupils at Inverkeithing Primary School have created content for a new time capsule which will be buried next to the Mercat Cross in its new location.
If you have any questions about the Mercat Cross works, please email .
The repairs and relocation of the Mercat Cross are generously funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, the Muirdean Trust and a private donor.
The Mercat Cross works are part of the Inverkeithing Heritage Regeneration project (2019-26) led by Fife Council and Fife Historic Buildings Trust. To find out more about Inverkeithing Heritage Regeneration, please visit the project webpage by clicking on the button below.
