Mercat cross, Inverkeithing

A mercat cross is the Scots name for the market cross found in Scottish towns and cities where historically the right to hold a regular market or FAIR was granted by the monarch, a bishop or a baron. It therefore served a secular purpose as a symbol of authority, and was an indication of a burgh's relative prosperity. Today, there are around 126 known examples of extant crosses in Scotland, though the number rises if later imitations are added.
The plaque at the base reads....

Heraldic evidence indicates that this cross was erected around the time of the marriage of David, Duke of Rothesay, Son of King Robert III and Queen Annabella Drummond to Marjorie, Daughter of the Earl of Douglas.
The Unicorn finial was carved in 1688 by Mr John Boyd of South Queensferry to secure his admittance to the Inverkeithing trades Guildry.
This plaque was presented by the members of the showman's guild of Scotland.