Parts of the shaft belong to the original mercat cross which was returned to its position here in 1855 after having been moved further down the High Street in 1617 and dismantled in 1756. The octagonal platform, a replica of the original, was paid for by William Ewart Gladstone in 1885 during his time as M.P. for Midlothian (1880-95). The Lyon King of Arms makes Royal Proclamations from the Cross.
The mercat cross was the traditional place of punishment and execution in the burgh. Perhaps the most spectacular execution to take place here (if that doesn't sound too flippant) was that of Alastair of Glenstrae, Chief of the outlawed Clan Gregor. On being captured, he was promised safe passage to England by Archibald Campbell, 7th Earl of Argyll, so that he could beg for royal clemency from James VI in London. True to his word, 'Archibald the Grim', as he was called, had Glenstrae taken to the border, but then immediately brought back to Edinburgh to stand trial. He was hanged at the Cross along with 11 members of his clan in January 1604.
"[MacGregor] wes convoyit to Berwick be the Gaird to conforme to the Earl's promese: for he promesit to put him out of Scottis grund. Swa [so] he keipit ane Hieland-manis promes; in respect he sent the Gaird to convoy him out of Scottis grund: But thai were not directit to pairt with him, but to fetche him bak agane! The 18 Januar, at evine [evening], he come agane to Edinburghe; and upone the 20 day he wes hangit at the Croce, and xj [eleven] of his freindis and name, upon ane gallous: Himself being Chieff, he wes hangit his awin hicht aboune [his own height above] the rest of hes freindis." -- Robert Birrel's Diary
NT2573 : Earlier site of the Mercat Cross, High Street