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Destiny of stone to be discussed | Destiny of stone to be discussed |
(about 1 hour later) | |
MSPs are set to debate whether the Stone of Destiny should be returned to its Perthshire home. | |
The stone came back to Scotland from Westminster Abbey 10 years ago and is now on display at Edinburgh Castle. | |
But Deputy Scots Tory leader Murdo Fraser is leading a campaign to bring the stone back to Scone Palace. | |
The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP has tabled a motion at Holyrood calling for the move, claiming it could also help boost tourism in the area. | |
The cushion-shaped sandstone, on which Scotland's kings and queens were crowned for more than 1,000 years, was returned to Scotland on St Andrew's Day in 1996. | |
We are discussing a pivotal piece of Scotland's history Murdo FraserDeputy Scottish Conservative leader | |
It was part of the then Conservative Scottish Secretary Michael Forsyth's plan to placate angry Scots. | |
Speaking ahead of a member's debate on the stone at Holyrood, Mr Fraser said the first step to seeing it moved to the palace was "political willpower". | |
"We are discussing a pivotal piece of Scotland's history as well as discussing how the stone is best stored to allow the people of Scotland and across the world to view it," he said. | |
"I believe it is now time for the Stone of Destiny to complete its journey and be returned to Scone Palace, its rightful home." | |
Mr Fraser said his motion had attracted support from a range of parties, including the Scottish National Party, Lib Dems and Greens. | |
The Stone of Destiny was taken from Scotland by King Edward I of England, known as the "Hammer of the Scots", in the 13th Century and was installed in Westminster Abbey, where it remained for 700 years. |