Work to conserve a 351-year-old historic market cross in Kincardine, Fife, has commenced.

An agreement by Kincardine Community Council and local Councillors resulted in funding package to ensure a specialist stone contractor can conserve the ancient monument.

A £5,000 in grant funding from Fife Council's local community planning budget and the town centres budget along with a generous contribution from Scottish Power will fund the repairs.

The project will be undertaken in two phases. The first, which started earlier this week, will be carried out by a specialist stone conservation contractor and involves the dismantling of the pillar and capital, which sits on the head of the pillar. These sections will be removed from site while specialist stone consolidation works will be carried out.

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Fife Council's Building Services Heritage Team will then start work on the second phase later this year. This will involve the removal of the stepped stone base and the construction of a new reinforced concrete foundation before the whole monument returns for reconstruction.

Welcoming the work, Councillor Bobby Clelland, Chair of the South West Fife Area Committee said: "I'm delighted the South West Fife area budget was able to assist with this project and would like to congratulate ward member Cllr Ferguson on moving it forward. I very much look forward to seeing the work complete and the market cross restored to its former glory."

Recognised by Historic Scotland as an ancient monument of national importance, Kincardine's market cross has stood in the centre of the town's market place since 1663. Due to the historic significance of the monument, all works carried out will be carefully archaeologically monitored.

(JP/CD)