'No plans' to move iconic stone

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An MSP campaigning to return the Stone of Destiny to its original home has expressed disappointment after being told there were no plans to move it.

The artefact, currently in Edinburgh Castle, was returned to Scotland in 1996 by the UK Government after centuries at Westminster Abbey.

Scots Tory deputy leader Murdo Fraser had led calls for the stone to be returned to Scone Palace in Perthshire.

Its guardians unanimously said it should stay in the Scottish capital.

'Rightful home'

The Stone of Destiny has been used to crown Scottish, English and British monarchs since the 9th Century.

Mr Fraser, MSP for Central Scotland, raised the issue of returning the stone to Scone in a Holyrood debate last year.

But Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson has now said that the four Commissioners of the Regalia, responsible for the safekeeping, repair and preservation of the stone, were in favour of keeping it at Edinburgh Castle.

Mr Fraser said the outcome was "extremely disappointing", adding: "Perthshire is the rightful home for the Stone of Destiny and bringing back one of Scotland's icons would also be a boost to the local tourism industry."