Pictured HEAR YE, HEAR YE, THE MERCAT CROSS IS BACK A £150k project to restore Edinburgh’s ic
Pictured HEAR YE, HEAR YE, THE MERCAT CROSS IS BACK A £150k project to restore Edinburgh’s iconic Mercat Cross has been completed by the City of Edinburgh Council. The Lord Lyon King of Arms and Lord Provost of Edinburgh led a rededication ceremony today (Wednesday 30 May), celebrating the monument’s return to use after three months of conservation work. With the support of Historic Environment Scotland, Graciela Ainsworth Sculpture Conservation and Historic Buildings Restoration Ltd, the project has seen heraldic decorations restored and repainted and the asphalt roof replaced, as well as stonework repointed by local apprentices with a traditional lime based mortar. Marking the rededication, the Royal Regiment of Scotland formed a guard of honour beneath the Cross before a proclamation was made by the Lord Lyon and prayers offered by the Minister of St Giles, Calum MacLeod. Commenting, Lord Provost Frank Ross said: “The Mercat Cross has been at the heart of civic life for centuries. It has witnessed all manner of announcements, celebrations and proclamations over the last 150 years, including news of the Queen’s accession to the throne in 1952. “It’s incredibly striking to see images of it surrounded by hundreds of people, horses and carriages and the bustling trade of Edinburgh’s 19th century Old Town. Now, the Mercat Cross is back at its finest after careful restoration of its stonework and repainting. The investment will help to preserve its character for many more years to come.” The Right Honourable Lord Lyon King of Arms, Joseph Morrow, added: “The restoration of the Mercat Cross has been an excellent example of collaborative work. It has been used for different types of Proclamations over a long period of time and I am delighted to be able to take this chance to celebrate the excellent work of restoration which has been done and which enhances the High Street.” Edinburgh
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Photo credit: © IAN GEORGESON / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: chambers, city, cross, edinburgh, flag, giles, lord, mercat, mile, militrary, parade, parliament, provost, restore, restored, royal, saltire, square, st
