THE first phase of the ongoing restoration of the Mercat Cross in Forres has been completed – with the structure now deemed safe.

The cross was fenced off in July 2019 after a passer-by noticed part of the structure had broken off and was balancing precariously.

Scaffolding went up in February and the first phase of restoration has now been completed by G Laing Stonecraft.

The total cost to this point is £23,000.

A Moray Council spokesperson said: "We have completed phase one of the ongoing restoration of the B-listed Mercat Cross in Forres.

"We financed restoration, which included the sympathetic cleaning of the monument and re-pointing of open joints in traditional lime mortar.

"Also included was the repairing, cleaning and re-attaching of old original floral pinnacles, the carving and installation of new octagonal and square floral pinnacles, also finials and crosses to replace some of the missing sections.

"Works have also included cutting out and indenting cracked and defective stone sections of various sizes and shapes.”

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Garry Laing, whose team completed phase one of the restoration, noticed while working that the structure will need more refurb work than originally thought.

He said: "The second phase of the restoration was my idea.

"When we got up there we noticed the cast iron work needs replaced.

"There is only a certain amount of money available and it will go out to tender again but it would be beneficial if we did the work as we know what we are doing."

Councillor George Alexander (Forres, Independent) was instrumental in getting the works through council.

Now he is hoping to find funding for the next phase of the job.

He added: "I'm delighted this stage of the work is done. Garry Laing and his team have done a good job.

"Now there is other work to be done and it's a question of getting the funding to do that work.

"My main task is to find around £5000, which I'm working on just now. I'm exploring all possibilities."

The completion of repairs will involve replacing badly-corroded cast iron railings.

Moray Council confirmed this is currently being discussed with planning conservation to agree a sympathetic replacement design.

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