Voices of the Mercat Cross
Read the memories, frustrations, and demands of hundreds of residents standing up to protect Dunfermline’s heritage.
Council Neglect & Action
"My family have lived here for decades and I grew up here but moved away to Aberdeen. I have since moved back after feeling like Aberdeen is a neglected and depressing place to live.
Dunfermline now feels very similar. Looks like any other urban area, neglected, weeds. No wonder people dont respect their environment.
The statue and the blue lampposts were hallmarks of the beautiful Dunfermline high street. Both now neglected, in favour of more housing I assume.
No green areas left, no beautiful pieces of history, it’s a good thing our scummy councillors dont have to live around here and look at it. "
Heritage & History
"I few words, I don't really now what it was about. But as foreigner, every history, community, must be respected as it is. "
Vandalism & Safety
"Its a symbol of Dunfermline.
The council or government shouldn't need to have a fund for vandalism. It should have better consequences..."
Heritage & History
"An important part of Dunfermline history."
Heritage & History
"It’s heritage. History. Legacy."
Heritage & History
"Heritage. An important landmark. I moved to Dunfermline in Nov '22 and I've yet to see the Mercat Cross as it should be. I hope it gets restored to its former glory."
Meeting Place & Community
"I don't think it has much meaning to many people today and I'd like to see the existing remains augmented with something new rather than it being restored to what it was. Top it off with something that has more relevance today."
City Centre & Landmark
"High Street look would be significantly improved. The whole Central Street looks dilapidated and in need of a revamp."
General Importance
"Dunfermline was the ancient capital of Scotland, final resting place of Robert the Bruce and some of the attractions in the town deserve more credence."
Council Neglect & Action
"It is a symbol of Dunfermline. Now a city, Dunfermline has a rich history and wants to attract tourists but it's embarrassing when the council doesn't invest in upgrading the High Street and protecting and repairing our architecture. They are quick enough to raise council tax though but don't spend it where it matters."
Heritage & History
"A sense of history to the City."
City Centre & Landmark
"It’s important to me. I have always loved seeing it and now it’s upsetting seeing it the way it is "
Heritage & History
"Pride in Dunfermline and it's history my hometown for 53 years"
Heritage & History
"It is a symbol of our heritage and should be respected like much more in our city centre!
What I don’t understand is why those who vandalise such items should not be made to pay for their actions! why is it always left to others to pick up the pieces - accountability and maybe they would respect it and other things much more."
General Importance
"It’s an eyesore at the moment& should have priority I’m sure with modern technology this column could be protected from thug/ vandals "
General Importance
"It’s an eye sore "
Civic Pride & Identity
"Part of our upbringing, a place where everyone knew and met up at at new year etc, its as well known and community pride as the town clock is
"
Heritage & History
"Mercat cross has sat in the heart of Dunfermline for centuries and is a symbol of the city....to see in such a state gives a bad impression to visitors and residents alike. It needs restoring but then protected so people can not touch it ...nice decorative railings like the ones at abbot house "