Voices of the Mercat Cross
Read the memories, frustrations, and demands of hundreds of residents standing up to protect Dunfermline’s heritage.
Vandalism & Safety
"It’s the heart of the city and many people have many memories…. Def need cameras put up to prevent further vandalism. "
Heritage & History
"The history of these crosses is important. I visit lots of towns that have them and always remember what ours now looks like. It’s an embarrassment."
City Centre & Landmark
"It’s a well known landmark of Dunfermline town centre "
Heritage & History
"Where friends, lovers, and pals meet. Where children look up at the unicorn in wonder. Where heritage meets belonging."
Heritage & History
"The Mercat Cross is steeped in history and is an integral part of Dunfermline Heritage. I have grown up with it as a meeting place, a cross to admire(before it was vandalised) have a rest and watch the world go by "
Council Neglect & Action
"I’ll old enough to remember gathering at the Cross for the bells decades ago.
Now Fife Council has a CITY, it’s time for the administration to make changes to support a growing population and a historical legacy we need to preserve. "
Heritage & History
"It is a link to our past. A well known meeting place."
Heritage & History
"In years gone by the Mercat Cross was a place we gathered very much part of our heritage. Dunfermline used to be so vibrant and friendly very changed days. Strong community is essential now. "
Civic Pride & Identity
"Part of Dunfermline. The heart of the high st. We are supposed to be a city but high street is dirty run down and unattractive. What must visitors think "
Heritage & History
"Art and history should always be protected. Beauty attracts beauty. "
Heritage & History
"The Mercat Cross is a symbol of Dunfermline's status as Ancient Capital. And its current position at the foot of Cross Wynd indicates where the original entrance gate to the Ancient Royal city of Dunfermline was located before the Great Fire of Dunfermline. Which is why the Cross should be repaired instantaneously. And also if it is moved to Bruce Square, another monument indicating this historic entry way into our city must be erected."
Heritage & History
"The Mercat Cross is a symbol of Dunfermline's status as Ancient Capital. And its current position at the foot of Cross Wynd indicates where the original entrance gate to the Ancient Royal city of Dunfermline was located before the Great Fire of Dunfermline. Which is why the Cross should be repaired instantaneously. And also if it is moved to Bruce Square, another monument indicating this historic entry way into our city must be erected."
Council Neglect & Action
"The statue was witness to thousands of significant moments in Dunfermline, and felt to me like a symbol of hope and strength. I hate seeing the site so neglected as it highlights a bigger problem of council neglect towards our assets (historical buildings, small businesses, arts and culture)"
Heritage & History
"A piece of pure history, much missed."
City Centre & Landmark
"We have many lovely memories of a vibrant town centre. The cross was a meeting point and a gathering place where we would join friends to welcome the new year."
Vandalism & Safety
"It’s an important feature and should have been fixed before now. But what was the reason for delay? Maybe it’s justified. Compared to some of the essential services the council has to provide, this shouldn’t be a top priority. Especially when it was vandalism that caused it. "
General Importance
"I would love to see someone who repairs it have a contract to keep replacing it, even if they done a 3D print and always had a replacement. "
Heritage & History
"It may not been well known what a Mercat Cross signifies (which may also be why restoring it may not look like a priority) but these monuments were the beating heart of Scottish civic life, where Dunfermline's communities gathered, where trade and announcements took place. It's inseparable from the City Chambers and the Heritage Quarter. Restoring it will reinforce that these places matter because they are interconnected.
I am not originally from Dunfermline, but this is where my children are growing up, and this is our home. The Mercat Cross is one of those landmarks we would love to see restored to a place of pride."