Town to mark 70 years of abbey ‘theft’ that brought the Stone of Destiny home

Relic was removed from London on Christmas Day 1950

The70thanniversaryofthedaytheStone of Destiny was left at Arbroath Abbey after it was removed from Westminster Abbey is set to be marked by a special event.

The Stone of Scone was used in the inauguration ceremonies of Scotland’s monarchs until 1296 when Edward I took it to England as part of the spoils of war.

Built into a specially constructed throne, it remained at Westminster until four students from Glasgow University removed it on Christmas Day 1950.

The theft began a nationwide catand-mouse hunt, with the quartet successfully evading the authorities for several months, until April 1951, when the stone was left at the high altar of Arbroath Abbey, covered by a saltire.

Its arrival will be marked on the 70th anniversary next year as part of the 2020 celebrations delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Harry Simpson, chairman of the Arbroath 2020 group, which is organising events for the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, said the stone and its removal continued to capture the imagination.

“When it arrived in Arbroath in 1951, it threw a national and international spotlight on the town,” he said.

“There are some iconic images from that day and it would be great to recreate them and also have a public lecture, perhaps delivered online, on the history of the stone so people can find out more about its fascinating story.”

When the then secretary of state for Scotland proposed returning the stone to Scotland in 1996, Angus councillors launched a bid to have it kept in Arbroath permanently.

Ultimately, Edinburgh Castle was the favoured choice and the stone remains on display there with the crown jewels.

The Stone of Destiny, covered by a saltire, was left at the high altar of Arbroath Abbey in April 1951.