The head of the cross, the crucifixion scene, dates from mediaeval times in the early 1400s. The shaft was replaced in 1627 when the Cross was rebuilt. The base of the Cross formerly held a small room.
It was at the Cross that the Burgh Court met and Proclamations were read out, and it was also the gathering place for public meetings. The freebooter, Macpherson, was sentenced to be hanged on a gibbet at the Cross in 1700.
The Cross was removed in 1768 as it was blocking the free passage of traffic in Low Street, and was presented to Lord Fife who put it upon a dovecot just off Sandyhill Road. In June 1900 the Cross was brought back to Low Street and was erected on the plainstones in front of the Town House.
