Carved cross seen as sign of ancient past
A sign of Dunfermline's importance to medieval pilgrims has been uncovered on an old route into the town, thanks to the eagle eyes of a local guide.
The carved cross.
- By Leeza Clark
- Published in the Courier : 28.07.10
- Published online : 28.07.10 @ 02.12pm
Roger Pickering, of Dunfermline firm Forth Pilgrim, discovered a carved cross in a wall on the old pilgrim road into Dunfermline from the west.
Mr Pickering was leading the first in a series of guided walks when he made the discovery.
Explaining the potential significance of the discovery, he said, "In the context of the history of this ancient road, we are very excited about this.
"As our theme was to look at both the medieval roads, and the early rail and wagon ways still existing in the fields just west of Dunfermline, it is a very timely find."
The group has already been in touch with Fife Council's archaeologist Douglas Speirs.
Mr Pickering said the archaeologist thought a medieval stone has been reused in what looks like a late 18th century wall built around the time this section of road went out of use.
Details of the find have been passed to Historic Scotland and other parties.
Mr Pickering, who said it was great that funding from Celebrating Fife 2010 had enabled Forth Pilgrim and Scotways to organise the guided historical walks for the public, hopes this discovery might spark new interest in walking between pilgrim sites.
Louise Trow, Fife Council's cultural co-ordinator for south-west Fife, said, "Celebrating Fife 2010 is happy to be supporting both Scotways and Forth Pilgrim for their historical guided walks which have included events in Aberdour, Culross and Dunfermline."
Add a comment