Cupar’s Mercat Cross is back inposition, as the next phase of roadworks in the town gets under way.
The monument, which until recently stood in the middle of the junction of Bonnygate and Crossgate, was moved to a nearby pavement as part of roadworks to ease traffic congestion in the town.
The £1.2 million programme of roadworks will continue from Monday, when St Catherine’s Street will be closed at 7pm. The road is to be reopened at 7pm on Saturday February 22. During the period of closure, eastbound traffic will be diverted via Ladywynd and East Burnside, with lorries diverted by way of the A913. Westbound through traffic will be diverted via the A914 and local traffic via South Road and Crossgate.
Fife Council has stated bus services will not be affected and taxis will be available from Crossgate, outside WH Smith.
Tim Masters from the council’s roads department urged motorists and pedestrians to be aware of the new traffic light system installed at the junction.
He added: “We apologise for any inconvenience and the resulting delays caused by these essential works. We will try to keep disturbance to a minimum.”
With the Mercat Cross now in its new location, its two previous sites will be marked by cobbles. A time capsule will also be buried to replace the one unearthed when the cross was taken down in November last year.
Among the items stored in the capsule was a 116-year-old copy of The Courier.
The cross had been at its former location since 1897, when it was moved from Hill of Tarvit and returned to the town centre. It had been moved to the hill in 1817 by Colonel Wemyss, who had reputedly won it in a game of cards.
An elaborate ceremony was held in the town for its reinstatement in 1897 and the Royal Burgh of Cupar Community Council plans to hold a ceremony in May to mark its latest move.
Douglas Provan from the community council said a new time capsule would be interred during the ceremony and is looking for ideas from residents as to what should be put inside.
Mr Provan added: “I’m happy that the cross is in a far better place and the pavement has been widened.”