700 years on, stone going back home to Scone at last
IT was used f or the crowning of the High Kings of Scotland before being taken to London in 1296 by Edward I.
Now the Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Destiny, is to return to its ‘spiritual home’ of Perths hire af t er t he Queen approved the move.
The stone, which has been held at Edinburgh Castle since 1996, will be the centrepiece of Perth’s new museum at City Hall, two miles from Scone.
Also known as ‘Jacob’s Pillow’, historically the stone was kept at now-ruined Scone Abbey.
The decision was announced by Nicola Sturgeon, who is one of the four commissioners for
‘An important part of history’
the ‘safeguarding of the regalia’ – who advise the Queen about matters relating to the stone.
They recommended that it should be relocated after a public consultation.
Perth and Kinross Council and Culture Perth and Kinross, a charitable trust, made a submission to the commissioners to relocate the stone last year.
Council leader Murray Lyle said: ‘I’m hugely proud and excited the Stone of Destiny will be moving to Perth.
‘Our new £26.5million worldclass museum is the perfect place to display this historically significant object, which represents both Perth’s history as the original capital of Scotland and our future as a vibrant new city.’
The artefact is made from old red sandstone which, according to geological tests, was quarried at Scone.
In the early hours of Christmas Day 1950, four nationalist students removed the stone from Westminster Abbey and later smuggled it to Scotland, leading to a huge manhunt.
It was hidden for months then placed i n Arbroath Abbey before being sent back to London. In 1996 it was officially returned north of the Border.
Today it is on display in the Crown Room at Edinburgh Castle, visited by millions of people each year.
The stone will only l eave Scotland again for a coronation in Westminster Abbey.
Miss Sturgeon said the stone was returning to its ‘ spiritual home’, adding: ‘It forms an important part of the story of
Scotland. Following due consideration, the commissioners were satisfied that the proposals for Perth City Hall gave full and proper regard to the need to ensure the security and conservation of the stone, its accessibility to the general public and that it would be displayed i n a manner in keeping with such an important cultural artefact.’
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser welcomed the ‘tremendous news’ which he described as a ‘real boost in dark times’.
Former Scottish Secretary Lord Forsyth called the stone’s relocation a ‘great decision’.
Construction work on the museum is due to start in February and the building is scheduled to open in 2024.
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: ‘The Stone of Destiny
‘A real boost in dark times’
forms an important part of the story of Scotland.
‘As we look to the future, it will now also play an important role in helping the city of Perth and the surrounding area to further develop as an attractive visitor destination.’
A UK Government spokesman said: ‘The Stone of Destiny will be a very welcome addition to Perth, boosting the region’s culture and tourism.
‘It is an important part of Scottish history and will make an impressive centrepiece for Perth City Hall, which is being refurbished into a museum as part of our £150million Tay City Deal initiative working with our Scottish Government and local authority partners.’