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
"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 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. "
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 "
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
"I few words, I don't really now what it was about. But as foreigner, every history, community, must be respected as it is. "
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
"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."
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 "