Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, and Perth and North Perthshire MP, Mr Pete Wishart, have today welcomed news that the Commissioners for the Safeguarding of the Regalia are to commence a public engagement regarding the future location of the Stone of Destiny.
The engagement, which will run for six weeks, will consider a bid from Perth and Kinross Council for the Stone to form the centrepiece of Perth City Hall, which will undergo a programme of extensive refurbishment. A further proposal is being put forward by Historic Environment Scotland to keep the Stone in Edinburgh Castle.
Commenting, Mr Swinney said:
“I am grateful that the Commissioners are willing to consider the very compelling case for returning the Stone of Destiny to Perthshire.
“The Stone of Destiny is widely regarded to have been quarried from Perthshire stone, and was used for the coronation of the Kings of Scotland at Scone for many years. It is therefore highly appropriate that the Stone should return to Perthshire.
“The arguments for returning the Stone to Perthshire are not just historical, but also logistical. Perth is within 90 minutes travel time for over 70% of Scotland’s population, and is therefore ideally located to capitalise on the desire of both everyday Scots and tourists to visit the Stone. Moreover, the Stone will be presented free of charge in a newly renovated Perth City Hall.
“When the Stone was proposed to be moved from Westminster to Edinburgh Castle in 1996, I campaigned for its return to Perthshire. I am therefore delighted that a significant step has been taken towards achieving this goal, and I am sure that the entire region will get behind this campaign.
“I would urge local residents and organisations to submit their views to the consultation making the strong case to return the Stone of Destiny to Perthshire.”
Mr Wishart added:
“It is welcome news that consideration is now being given to the Stone of Destiny returning to its ancestral home at the heart of Scotland.
I have long supported and championed the claim that Perthshire is the right location for this critically important historical artefact.
Perth as an ancient capital of Scotland provides the appropriate geographical and historical context for this national treasure, which would be made freely available for all to see as the centrepiece of cultural investment in the City.
I will be submitting my own view to the consultation strongly in favour of Perthshire’s claim and would encourage those like minded to do the same.”
