A LANDMARK in a West Fife town could be relocated under plans lodged by Fife Council.

A bid to dismantle, restore and relocate Inverkeithing's Mercat Cross – believed to be one of the oldest in Scotland – has been made.

If the plans are approved, the cross would be placed in a more central and prominent place in the square.

The historic cross’s main column and coats of arms are believed to date from 1398. The unicorn finial was added later in 1688. 

According to a condition report from 2019, the landmark is in need of conservation works to keep it in good condition for the future.  With three large vertical cracks, the condition report stated that the lower shaft section is the area that exhibits the “main concerns."

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The cracks have also been previously repaired, but the fills have “long since failed and are allowing water ingress and the potential for freeze/thaw cycles”. 

Experts are unsure how significant these cracks are for the landmark, and they’re not sure if they are compromising the “structural integrity at present”.  The paint on the unicorn finial is also “likely trapping moisture” to the stone and it is also “cracking and/or flaking over much of the carving”. 

There are also cracks in the sandstone running across the front sundial face, but the severity won’t be understood until the paint is removed. 

The council has proposed the restoration as part of the Inverkeithing Urban Realm Project, and according to planning papers, it’s not the first time the council has asked for or received permission for this project. 

In 2020, in the midst of the Covid-19 lockdown, Fife was granted permission to restore and relocate the Inverkeithing landmark. However, the project never materialised and the planning permission has now lapsed, which is why the project is coming back with a fresh application.

Planners will reconsider the proposals and make a decision in due course.