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Unicorn on the Mercat Cross
Unicorn on the Mercat Cross
Unicorn on the Mercat Cross
Unicorn on the Mercat Cross
Unicorn on the Mercat Cross
Unicorn on the Mercat Cross
Unicorn on the Mercat Cross
Unicorn on the Mercat Cross
Unicorn on the Mercat Cross
Unicorn on the Mercat Cross
Unicorn on the Mercat Cross

Image credit: Dewi Owens / Art UK

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The shaft is probably late sixteenth century. The cross was restored and reconstructed by John Hinton Gall in 1900, it has a moulded base and sub-base of blue and red granite raised on three steps. A Clachnacuddin stone is embedded in the base. A carved finial representing the Scottish unicorn and supporting the burgh arms was carved by Andrew Davidson in 1900. Clach-na-cudhin means the 'stone of the tubs' and Clach-na-cudhin was where the women, who had done the washing down in the river, laid their baskets while they rested.
Title

Unicorn on the Mercat Cross

Date

1900

Medium

stone

Measurements

H 500 x W 50 x D 50 cm (E);
Plinth: H 75 x W 150 x D 150 cm (E)

Accession number

IV2_DO_S005

Work type

Monument

Owner

The Highland Council

Custodian

The Highland Council

Work status

extant

Listing status

B (Scotland)

Unveiling date

1900

Listing date

15/06/81

Access

at all times

Inscription description

bronze plaque: THE MERCAT CROSS OF INVERNESS, / RESTORED A.D. 1900, BY / SIR ROBERT B. FINLAY, Q.C. / M.P.FOR THE INVSS BURGHS; SOLICITOR-GENERAL FOR ENGLAND; stone inscription on the base: CLACH - NA - CÙDHIN

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Located at

High Street, Inverness

IV2 3BJ

In front of the Inverness Town house (North side), to the left of the main entrance.