CCTV image released as police probe destruction of Scottish city monument

POLICE have released a CCTV image of two men they are looking to question following the destruction of an “important” Scottish city monument.

The Mercat Cross in Dunfermline was snapped in half, with debris left scattered across the High Street at the junction of Guildhall Street, overnight from Saturday, April 12, to Sunday, April 13.

There has been a Mercat Cross in Dunfermline since at least 1396, when the Burgh received its charter, according to the national historic environment record Canmore. Other estimates say it may be two centuries older than that. 

The Dunfermline cross before and after the damage earlier in April (Image: Dunfermline Press) The cross has been repaired and replaced many times over the centuries, and the one which was damaged earlier in April had been raised and resourced by public subscription in 1868, Fife Council archaeologist Douglas Speirs said previously.

Earlier, Police described two men who they said could help with enquiries. 

Officers said the first was in his early 20s, white, around 5ft 8/9ins tall, slim build, brownish hair, thick eyebrows, sideburns, and an earring in his left ear. He was wearing a baby blue coloured hoodie, tan coloured trousers and white/light trainers.   The second was described as also in his early 20s, white, about 5ft 9/10ins tall, medium build, brown hair, long and messy on top, trimmed short at the sides, with short stubble growth. He was wearing a thin black jacket with small writing on the right shoulder, a black t-shirt with white writing and a yellow logo, black jogging bottoms, grey Nike Air Max shoes.

CCTV image of the men who the police would like to speak with (Image: Police Scotland) Now, officers have released a CCTV image of men they say could help with enquiries and are appealing for the men themselves, or anyone who may recognise them, to get in touch.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "I would urge the men pictured or anyone who may recognise them to contact us”.

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1093 of 13 April, 2025. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.