A Dunfermline landmark which was shattered by vandals looks set to be restored after Fife Council unveiled plans to bring it back to life

Dunfermline’s Market Cross was previously victim to a vandalism attack that left it in smashed into pieces.

Now, Fife Council has plans to restore the cross and put it back on display. 

Fife Council has asked planners for permission to restore the B-listed landmark.

The High Street monument was targeted by vandals in November 2022, leaving the unicorn finial at the top “severely damaged” and in fragments in storage. 

If council plans are approved, contractors could use those fragments as reference to carve a new unicorn to match the previous one.

The head, horn, shield, and flag pole may even be considered for reuse and doweled into place. 

Even before the 2022 destruction, the unicorn statue was in need of repairs. Even before the 2022 destruction, the unicorn statue was in need of repairs. (Image: Fife Council planning papers) The entire cross would also be cleaned with a natural bristle brush preventative biocide to prevent plant regrowth. 

“This application seeks to restore the cross using original masonry where possible and new where necessary,” planning papers said. 

“The unicorn shall be fixed onto its reused base and dowelled securely with pins and resin to suit.”

The Mercat Cross has been at the heart of Dunfermline’s marketplace for almost 1,000 years. 

The cross itself has been replaced and repaired many times over the years, but the current monument dates back to 1868 when it was built by public subscription. 

In 1992, the cross was relocated to the corner of Guildhall Street and High Street where the historic plinth was placed on top of a 5-stepped modern base. 

Even before the 2022  destruction, the unicorn statue was in need of repairs. 

According to a condition report from 2021, the main concern was the missing right front leg of the unicorn and the bent flagpole – which may or may not have been an act of vandalism. 

Despite the destruction of the unicorn, the column itself remains in good condition with only minor surface staining and small repairs required. 

If and when the unicorn is rebuilt and re-carved, it will be placed on top of the historic Mercat Cross and restored to its original glory. 

Fife Council planners will consider the application and make a decision in due course.