Merkland Cross

The Merkland Cross in southern Scotland dates back to the 15th century. The design of the head is ‘floriated’ in style, which means it has been carved to look like a flower with its four fleurs-de-lys forming the whole. The entire object appears to have been carved from one piece of stone, and it stands by the busy A74(M). The local Maxwell Clan attribute its construction to commemorate the death of John, one of their own, back in 1484. Regardless, it has been a local landmark by a busy road for five centuries.

Few on that busy A-road/motorway would even notice it, so fast are they driving and so lush the vegetation thereabouts. Yet it stands as a silent witness to the slaying of a man and the transience of life. Those whose fast-paced lives cannot take their eyes off each objective and ambition fail to notice the quiet signs, the ancient markers, the silent witnesses to mortality and coming judgement. Zoom past all you will, click on as you wish, rush away as you see fit, but the old landmarks remain, pointing to things of greater import.

Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. Proverbs 22:28

A  D