A “missing” fragment of the Stone of Destiny kept at the SNP’s headquarters should be moved to Perth Museum when the artefact is relocated there later this year, an MP has suggested.
The SNP’s Pete Wishart said the ancient stone should be “displayed in its entirety” when it moves from its current home in Edinburgh Castle.
The fragment is said to be a “very, very small” chip from the sandstone block, which has been used in ceremonies to crown Scottish monarchs for centuries.
Recently released Scottish Government documents revealed that, in 2008, former first minister Alex Salmond was given a chip said to come from the stone by the late Sir Neil MacCormick.
Sir Neil’s father, John MacCormick, was among a group of independence-supporting students who removed the stone from Westminster Abbey in 1950.
During the move to Arbroath, the stone was discovered to be in two parts.
The fragment is said to have been created then but the SNP says its provenance has not been completely established.
However, the party said the stone ship has been held securely for the past 15 years and had never been considered lost.
In 2008, the First Minister was advised that Historic Scotland had not requested it back, so it has apparently stayed in a cupboard in the SNP’s HQ.
Later this year, the 125 kilo block will be moved to Perth Museum to form the centrepiece of a £26.5 million redevelopment.
The stone was associated with royal inaugurations at Scone, at nearby Perth, before it was taken to Westminster Abbey in London as war loot by King Edward I.
Mr Wishart, who represents Perth and North Perthshire, said: “The Stone of Scone is undoubtedly one of Scotland’s most iconic artefacts, and its arrival at Perth Museum will mark the first time it has returned to its home region in over 700 years.
“This will be a huge moment for Perthshire, not just symbolically, but economically too.”
He added: “In order to maximise the opportunity that the museum presents for the city, and to honour the stone’s long awaited return to the region, it is important for it to be displayed in its entirety.
“As such, I very much hope that the missing piece can be given to the museum ahead of its opening in March.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the First Minister’s official spokesman was asked about the fragment.
He said that in 2008 civil servants had advised there was no need to return the “very, very small fragment” to Historic Scotland, the keepers of the artefact, as they had not requested it.
The Stone of Destiny was moved to Edinburgh Castle in 1996 and was used in the coronation of King Charles last year.
When the artefact was moved south to be installed in the Coronation Chair, it was piped out of Edinburgh Castle in a special ceremony organised by the Lord Lyon, King of Arms.
The SNP said the party’s chief executive, Murray Foote, would respond to a letter from Mr Wishart in due course.
A spokeswoman said: “The SNP has a small stone chip in storage.
“The fragment – gifted to the party by Professor Sir Neil MacCormick – has been held securely by the SNP for the past 15 years and has never been considered lost at any point.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here