The Stone of Destiny currently exhibited in Edinburgh Castle,  is an ancient symbol of Scotland’s nationhood and used for centuries in the inauguration of its kings.

Seen as a sacred object, its earliest origins are now unknown, although for some there are Biblical connections.

In 1296, Edward the First of England, stole the stone and built it into a new throne he had made.

Coronation Chair with Stone of Scone, Westminster Abbey: Cornell University Library

On Christmas Day in 1950 4 Scottish students retrieved the stone and returned it to Scotland. It was found 3 months later in Arbroath Abbey and taken back to Westminster.

In 1996 the Stone of Destiny was again returned to Scotland to take up its place beside the Scottish Crown Jewels – the Honours of Scotland –  in Edinburgh Castle.

The Stone of Destiny is a powerful ancient symbol of a Scotland which was once an independent nation.

The Honours of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny are cared for by the Commissioners for the Safeguarding of the Regalia. The Commissioners want to hear views from members of the public because they have received a request from  Perth & Kinross Council to relocate the stone to Perth.

The proposal by the council and  Culture Perth & Kinross is to exhibit the Stone in Perth City Hall. It will sit within a new exhibition space and be free to view. At Edinburgh Castle people have to pay an entrance fee to the Castle to see the Stone of Destiny.

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

If you would like to contribute your views and for more information click on the link: The Stone of Destiny

The closing date for the consultation is the 19th of September 2019.