The Mercat Cross

The Mercat Cross (Copyright © 2005 B Kahuna)

INVERNESS, Scotland -- The Falcon Square Mercat Cross is a sandstone pillar 37 feet high, with a rearing unicorn on top and the sides adorned by a falcon spiralling down in the four successive stages of its attacking manoeuvre. The third and forth stage can be seen in the photograph, which was cropped slightly to eliminate the roof of a nearby Marks and Spencer. The sculpture was designed by Gerald Laing and unveiled in June 2003.

Historically, a Mercat Cross is a monument found in Scottish cities, at the center of commerce where merchants used to gather. The Old Mercat Cross in Inverness is located opposite the town hall. At its base is the Clachnacudainn or Stone of Tubs. This is where women used to rest their washing tubs when they climbed up from the river Ness. The name Inverness means at the mouth of the Ness in Scots Gaelic.

Captured on 13^th September 2005 with a Sony CyberShot DSC-V1 on aperture priority (f/3.2) and a millisecond shutter.