McGregor gets behind drive to return Stone of Destiny to Tayside

PERTH: Artefact could be housed at city hall in plans being put before the public

Hollywood A-lister Ewan McGregor has backed the campaign to bring the Stone of Destiny back to the Fair City.

The 48-year-old from Crieff, who made his acting debut on stage at Perth Theatre in 1987, has risen to the pinnacle of international stardom, appearing in the Trainspotting and Star Wars series as well as the likes of Moulin Rouge and Black Hawk Down.

Hollywood hero McGregor has added his voice in the support of the Courierbacked campaign to bring the historic artefact to a revamped Perth City Hall.

Public opinion over the move is being garnered to support the bid.

Speaking from the US, he said: “As a proud Perthshire guy, I would definitely be behind the bid to bring back the Stone of Destiny to Perth.

“It would be such a great attraction for the town and the surrounding areas.

“Please help by submitting your views to make this happen.”

The city is campaigning for the artefact to be moved permanently to Perth and become the centrepiece of a new £23 million city centre museum.

It is hoped such an iconic free attraction would bring thousands of extra tourists and millions of pounds to the local economy.

Perth and Kinross Council launched its bid for the stone three years ago, claiming the iconic sandstone block on which Scottish monarchs were crowned could spark a V&A Dundee-style tourist sector revival.

Historic Environment Scotland, however, launched a counter-bid to keep the Stone at its residence in Edinburgh Castle.

Under the terms of the Commissioners for the Safeguarding of the Regalia’s Royal Warrant, the group are to consider all matters relating to the stone.

The final decision on any proposal to relocate the stone will lie with the Queen, acting on the advice of the commissioners.

The commissioners have given the public and local organisations with an interest the opportunity to air their views and have launched a public consultation, with which McGregor – who is set to reprise his Star Wars role as Obi Wan Kenobi for a new series – is urging residents to engage with.

Responses need to be submitted by September 19, when the six-week consultation draws to a close.

There has been no confirmation on when the decision is set to be made on the future of the stone.

The Hollywood A-lister, who hails from Crieff, has urged others to submit their views.