Ceremony to mark transfer of Stone of Destiny from Edinburgh Castle to Perth
The iconic artefact will become the main attraction at the new Perth Museum when it opens on 30th March
Last updated 14th Mar 2024
A ceremony to mark the transfer of the Stone of Destiny from Edinburgh Castle to Perth will take place this afternoon.
The iconic artefact - also known as the Stone of Scone - will become the main attraction at the new Perth Museum following a £27 million redevelopment project.
It will be free to view when the museum opens on the 30th March.
Why is the stone so significant?
The 150kg stone is an ancient symbol used to crown monarchs.
It went on display in Scotland's capital in 1996 and it was agreed it would return to Westminster Abbey for any future coronation ceremony such as King Charles III's last year.
We understand the stone will not be on display for this afternoon's event, which has been organised by Lord Lyon.
A People's Procession will led down the Castle Esplanade to mark the occasion.
Sir Melville Jameson, former lord-lieutenant of Perth and Kinross said:
'I'm so glad that the stone is coming to the new museum in Perth which is fairly near to its original place at Scone Palace and I think all of us involved are delighted that the Stone is coming home. '
He added:
'Visitors coming to Perth will not only see the stone but visit the other major attractions of the city: St John's Kirk, Elcho Castle, the new art museum, Scone Palace, and the wonderful River Tay'