THE Stone of Destiny is set to be moved from Edinburgh Castle to London for the coronation of the new King, it has been confirmed.
When the Queen was crowned in 1953 at Westminster Abbey, her throne sat above the stone.
However, with the historic artefact having been returned to Scotland more than a quarter of a century ago, it will be moved to London for the ceremony involving King Charles III.
No date yet has been announced for the coronation ceremony, but it is understood it will take place at some point next year.
A spokeswoman for Historic Environment Scotland (HES) confirmed: “HES staff will move the Stone of Destiny to Westminster Abbey in advance of the Coronation and then return it to Scotland.”
HES manages a range of historic locations across Scotland, including Edinburgh Castle, where the stone is on display in the Crown Room.
The HES website notes: “The stone will only leave Scotland again for a coronation in Westminster Abbey.”
The Stone of Destiny, described as coarse-grained, pinkish buff sandstone, is seen as a historic symbol of Scotland’s monarchy, and was used in the inauguration of Scottish kings for centuries.
But in 1296 the then king of England, Edward I, had it removed from Scotland and it was built into a new throne at Westminster Abbey in London.
It was only returned to Scotland on St Andrew’s Day in November 1996.
In 1950 four Scottish students famously stole the stone from Westminster Abbey in London. It was found some three months later, 500 miles away, at the high altar of Arbroath Abbey.
In November 2020 Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced plans to relocate the stone – which is also known as the Stone of Scone – to Perth.
