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Destiny of stone to be discussed 'Return stone to Scone' MSPs call
(about 11 hours later)
MSPs are set to debate whether the Stone of Destiny should be returned to its Perthshire home. There are historic and economic reasons for returning the Stone of Destiny to its original home, MSPs have been told.
Tory deputy leader Murdo Fraser led calls in the Scottish Parliament for the stone to be brought back to Scone Palace in Perthshire.
The stone came back to Scotland from Westminster Abbey 10 years ago and is now on display at Edinburgh Castle.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. Mr Fraser, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said a tourist attraction could be built at Scone to house it.
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. While those wanting to see the stone at the moment have to pay an entry charge to get into Edinburgh Castle, Mr Fraser said his scheme would allow people to see it free of charge.
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. I think it would add another element to the enormous range of reasons why individuals would decide to visit Perthshire John SwinneySNP MSP
We are discussing a pivotal piece of Scotland's history Murdo FraserDeputy Scottish Conservative leader He told MSPs: "While there are good historic and indeed romantic reasons for having the stone returned to its rightful home, I do believe that there is a good economic reason too.
It was part of the then Conservative Scottish Secretary Michael Forsyth's plan to placate angry Scots. "I do believe there is an opportunity for economic benefit to Scone and indeed Perthshire by creating a visitor attraction based around the stone at Scone."
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". 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.
"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. The cushion-shaped sandstone - on which Scottish, English and British monarchs have been crowned since the ninth century - was handed over to the then-Scottish Secretary Michael Forsyth and escorted to Edinburgh Castle in a lavish ceremony in 1996.
"I believe it is now time for the Stone of Destiny to complete its journey and be returned to Scone Palace, its rightful home." However Mr Fraser said there was "no historical, political, constitutional or economic reason for the stone to be in Edinburgh."
Mr Fraser said his motion had attracted support from a range of parties, including the Scottish National Party, Lib Dems and Greens. Donald Gorrie, Liberal Democrat MSP for Central Scotland region, said he supported Mr Fraser's suggestion.
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. SNP MSP John Swinney also urged ministers to consider moving the historic symbol.
He said: "I think it would add another element to the enormous range of reasons why individuals would decide to visit Perthshire."
Mark Ruskell, Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, there would be little value to the local economy in housing the stone at Scone Palace if plans for a new road bridge over the River Tay at Scone were allowed to go ahead.