The monument was erected in 1842 to commemorate the 16th century executions of four Protestant martyrs — Patrick Hamilton, Henry Forrest, George Wishart and Walter Myln.

However, the sandstone obelisk — which has been described on various UK attractions websites as "a striking and very dominant feature" and "a very significant monument" — is crumbling and has been surrounded by fencing for over two years, keeping the public away from the potentially unsafe structure.

Fife Council commissioned a Conservation Assessment Report from a stone conservation company in March 2009 in order to determine the condition of the structure and to make technical recommendations.

The report pointed out that there was severe weathering and decay to the stone surfaces because of prolonged exposure to rain, wind, environmental pollution and sea water, resuIting in the loss of carved detail, the growth of moss and lichen on some surfaces and the detachment of some stone fragments.

Councillor Sangster told the Citizen: ''It was calculated that at least £60,000 would be needed to restore the structure, but the local authority has suggested that there is no available funding at present to be put into such a project.

''I believe the monument must be preserved as a matter of urgency.

Read the full story in this week's Citizen