Work to conserve a nationally important Fife landmark has started.
The work will see the historic 351-year-old market cross in the heart of Kincardine-on-Forth revamped and its future secured.
It is thanks to the efforts made by Kincardine Community Council and local councillors that a funding package has been put together to allow a specialist stone contractor to begin the complex and delicate work of conserving the ancient monument.
A £5,000 grant from Fife Council’s local community planning budget and the town centre budget, with a “generous” contribution from ScottishPower, will fund the repairs.
It was the community council which first raised worries about the stability of the 17th Century ancient market cross which, according to local councillor Willie Ferguson, “is very much a part of the history of Kincardine”.
Recognised by Historic Scotland as an ancient monument of national importance, Kincardine’s market cross has stood in the centre of the marketplace since 1663 when the town was created a burgh of barony under Alexander Bruce, the second Earl of Kincardine.
Work will be carried out in two phases. The first phase is being carried out by a specialist stone conservation contractor.
This involves the careful dismantling of the pillar and capital, which sits on the head of the pillar. These parts will be removed from site while specialist stone consolidation works will be done.
Fife Council’s building services heritage team will take on the second phase in April.
This will involve the removal of the stepped stone base and the construction of a reinforced concrete foundation before the whole monument returns for reconstruction.
Welcoming the start of work on site Mr Ferguson said: “As a local resident and elected member to Fife Council I would like to pass on my gratitude to Kincardine Community Council for first raising concerns around the stability of the market cross and their efforts to secure funding to restore the cross.”
He also thanked officers and staff of Fife Council who helped the community council, the local authority and ScottishPower.
Councillor Bobby Clelland, chairman of the South West Fife area committee, added: “I’m delighted the South West Fife area budget was able to assist with this project and would like to congratulate ward member Councillor Ferguson on moving it forward.
“I very much look forward to seeing the work complete and the market cross restored to its former glory.”
A community project will be organised to make a time capsule to set within the foundations of the refurbished cross and during the next refurbishment people will be able reflect on life in Kincardine in 2014.
Due to the historic significance of the monument, all works will be carefully archaeologically monitored.