If you are looking for some summer reading, Perth based Tippermuir Books , have a couple of suggestions.
The Mysterious Case of the Stone of Destiny: A Scottish Historical Detective Whodunnit! –
Author David Maule Illustrator Rob Hands Publisher Tippermuir Books ISBN 9781913836269 Rights World Price £9.99 – paperback
‘The fate of the legendary Stone of Destiny, aka the Stone of Scone, remains one of the most abiding mysteries in Scottish history. Intrigue and controversy have surrounded this enigmatic artefact from earliest times to the modern day when this symbol of royal power was taken from Edinburgh to Westminster Abbey for Charles III’s coronation.
But was that the original stone used to enthrone Scotland’s ancient kings, or a substitute? One of the points made in the book is that the original had a different shape.
Meticulously researched, The Mysterious Case of the Stone of Destiny is a gripping historical whodunnit. David Maule leaves no stone unturned as he casts a forensic eye over the evidence. His fact- finding process – investigating its origins and background, scrutinising the witnesses and identifying possible suspects – comes to some surprising conclusions. Whether you agree with his verdict about the Stone’s final resting place, this incisive and entertaining inquiry is a must-read for those interested in Scottish history and for lovers of historical mysteries.’
‘The Mysterious Case of the Stone of Destiny has been rigorously researched from both primary and secondary sources, yet it is presented in plain language as an objective and even-handed investigation, not unlike a contemporary detective novel, except that none of the characters are fictional and all of them have been dead for around 700 years. David Maule lays the case before us like an impartial advocate, leaving us, the jury, to form our own conclusions. The Mysterious Case of the Stone of Destiny is a compelling read – a page-turner – and will be enjoyed by professional historians and lay-readers alike. I loved it! Charles MacLean, MBE, author Spirit of Place: Whisky Distilleries of Scotland and Whiskypedia: An Introduction to Scotch Whisky.
The Stone of Destiny & The Scots: The Stone’s Journey to Perth Museum
Author John Hulbert Illustrator Rob Hands Publisher Tippermuir Books ISBN 9781913836177 Rights World Price £10.99 – paperback
In December 2020, it was announced that the Stone of Destiny was to be returned to Perth to be the centrepiece of the new Perth Museum. In this location, the Stone of Destiny is as near as it is possible to be to its historical location in Scone Abbey. This is as it should be. It is where the Stone of Destiny belongs.
This book tells the story of the Stone of Destiny and The Scots, an ancient wandering people, referred to in the Declaration of Arbroath. The chronicles record that they brought the stone from Spain to Ireland and then to Argyll, but these accounts have been dismissed by most experts as, ‘nothing by myth and fantasy’.
The book, however, reports new evidence from DNA, archaeological and linguistic sources, which suggests that there may be more than a kernel of truth in that legendary claim. Dr Hulbert argues that there must be two Stones of Destiny – the ancient ‘Irish’ one which is now lost, and the Stone of Scone, quarried from Kincarrathie, located about a mile from Scone Abbey. The ‘Irish’ Stone may have been discarded by MacAlpin in favour of a local Pictish icon in 843, or, more likely, it may have been substituted by the monks of Scone Abbey to deceive Edward I in 1296.
The book speculates about the ultimate fate of that ‘Irish’ Stone. Meanwhile the Stone of Scone was exiled to Westminster Abbey, where it remained for 700 years. Its history before this exile, and possible previous uses, are explored, as is the political manoeuvring which led to its return to Scotland in 1996. Its journey from Westminster Abbey to Edinburgh Castle, and the elaborate ceremony of its handover (akin to that afforded to a visiting Head of State) are described, along with the conversion of Perth’s century-old City Hall to a prestigious museum fit for such an important national icon.
About the author
Dr John Hulbert was brought up in St Andrews and studied medicine in Edinburgh. He worked first in medical research and then was a GP for over 30 years. He lives with his wife, Sara, in the Perthshire village of Longforgan.
Elected to Perth & Kinross Council in 1995, he served as Provost from 2007 to 2012. As Provost, he co-ordinated Perth’s 800th anniversary celebrations in 2010, and led the successful endeavour to restore Perth’s city status which had been unjustly removed in 1975. He described that campaign in his 2016 book, Scotland’s Oldest & Newest City: How Perth regained its city status and why it matters.
Drawing on the knowledge he had gained as Provost, he also published Perth: A Comprehensive Guide for Locals and Visitors in 2014.It was the first illustrated guide book for Perth. He is active in several Perth organisations, being chairman of the Friends of St John’s Kirk, an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, an Honorary Friend of the Black Watch Castle and Museum, and an Officer of the Order of St John.
In 2012, the President of Poland awarded Dr Hulbert the Knights Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, in recognition of his work developing good relations between Perth and Poland. In Longforgan, he is active in the Parish church, and with his wife, Sara, he has established an orchard of ancient varieties of Scottish pear trees, which is recognised by the Plant Heritage Society as a ‘National Collection’.