The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Lib Dem leader backs Perth’s campaign for the Stone of Destiny
Rennie calls for historic artefact to be given new home in Fair City
The leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats has thrown his weight behind Perth’s bid to secure the Stone of Destiny.
Willie Rennie has written to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urging her to recommend the relic be displayed in Perth.
He acted after a Perth councillor spelt out the importance of returning the historic artefact “home”.
It is almost a year since a six-week consultation ended on September 19 2019.
Perth and Kinross Council is eager to make the Stone the focal point of its city hall project.
Historic Environment Scotland wants to keep it on display alongside the crown jewels at Edinburgh Castle.
A decision on the Stone’s destiny has been hit by frequent delays, including as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Last week, Dawn Cotton-Fuge, co-chairperson of the Perth Traders’ Association, said city centre business owners feel like they were “treading water” as they await a decision.
Perth City Centre councillor Peter Barrett said he sought to escalate Perth’s bid for the Stone by involving his political group’s leader Willie Rennie and asking him to write to Nicola Sturgeon.
“I’ve spelt out to Willie how important it is that this historic artefact comes home to a state-of-the-art museum and heritage centre in Perth.
“It is vital to the regeneration of Perth city centre, the city hall and to support tourism.”
North East Fife MSP Mr Rennie said: “I have written to Nicola Sturgeon seeking her urgent recommendation to Her Majesty the Queen, on behalf of the Commissioners for the Safeguarding of the Regalia, that the Stone of Destiny should be displayed in Perth.
“It’s right for Perth and it’s right for regional economic recovery and development across the whole Tay City Deal area.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Commissioners’ consideration of the location of the Stone of Destiny continues to be impacted by the need to focus on dealing with the coronavirus crisis.
“Those considerations will be completed and a decision announced as soon as the circumstances allow.”