AN action group trying to keep an ancient Celtic cross in the village where it has stood for a millennium are taking the fight to a public inquiry which will decide its final resting place.
The Dupplin Cross has stood in a field overlooking Forteviot in Perthshire for more than 1000 years but experts are unanimous that the 10ft-high cross should now be moved indoors and protected from weathering.
The cross was erected by the Scots king Kenneth McAlpine to celebrate the union of the Scots and the Picts and the birth of modern Scotland.
The Museum of Scotland wants it to be moved to Edinburgh to become the centrepiece of a new building - but villagers have formed an action group, the Friends of Dupplin Cross, to keep it in Forteviot.
The Friends, led by local minister, the Rev.Colin Williamson, want the cross to be moved to the recently refurbished parish kirk to become a focal point for worship and a tourist attraction.
Their case has the backing of the general trustees of the Church of Scotland. Whether their two-year campaign succeeds will be decided on December 12 at a public inquiry ordered by the Secretary of State for Scotland.
The Rev.Williamson welcomed the news of the public inquiry. He said: ``It is high time this matter was resolved and we will put the case for local retention with confidence.''
The inquiry ordered under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Act of 1979 will take place in Perth on December 12.
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