ON THE MOVE The stone is
Perthshire Advertiser campaign at the forefront of push for iconic relic’s return
It was taken from Perthshire 724 years ago, but the Stone of Destiny is now set to return to the region.
The iconic relic will become the centrepiece of a new £26.5 million museum at Perth City Hall after the Commissioners for the Safeguarding of the Regalia made the decision on behalf of the Queen that it should be moved from Edinburgh Castle.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who is one of the four commissioners, revealed the decision on Wednesday - just two days before the 70th anniversary of the stone being stolen from Westminster Abbey by a group of students.
The news was a much-needed earlier Christmas present for the region after a tough year.
Over 1800 responses were received as part of a consultation into the future of the stone last year, with threequarters of those giving a preference wanting the artefact moved to Perth.
Among them was the submission from the Perthshire Advertiser. Our It Is Our Destiny campaign received support from the likes of Hollywood star Ewan McGregor and cyclist Mark Beaumont.
Other local bodies who made representations were the likes of Aberfeldy Community
Council, Perth Racecourse and Perthshire Chamber of Commerce.
Answering a parliamentary question on Wednesday, Ms Sturgeon said: “In addition to the public engagement exercise, the commissioners undertook comprehensive scrutiny of both proposals.
“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 in a manner in keeping with such an important cultural artefact.
“The commissioners also concluded that there would be considerable merit in relocating the stone to assist with the ongoing regeneration of Perth.”
The stone, which is believed to have been quarried in Perthshire was used for the coronation of the ancient Scottish kings at Scone Palace.
It was taken to England by Edward I and was used in the coronation of English monarchs, and then the