THE Stone of Destiny has departed Edinburgh Castle with a ceremony and parade before it is moved to Perth.
The 125-kilo artefact will be moved to Perth Museum to form the centrepiece of a £26.5 million redevelopment. It will be available to view in Perth from Easter weekend.
The stone was led down the Castle Esplanade by a military band after a ceremony in the Great Hall on Thursday, which was attended by First Minister Humza Yousaf.
Yousaf, in his capacity as a Commissioner of the Regalia, attended the "Beating Retreat ceremony" on the esplanade.
The stone, which traditionally sits in a nook under the seat of the Coronation Chair, was returned to Scotland in 1996 after a lengthy absence, broken only by its famous removal in the early 1950s before the coronation of the late Queen.
READ MORE: Call for Stone of Destiny to be ‘reunited’ in Perth Museum
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.
Wishart, who represents Perth and North Perthshire, previously 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.”
The stone is managed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the country’s official body for managing heritage sites and objects.
HES told its members: “After more than 25 years on display in Edinburgh Castle’s Crown Room, from March this year the Stone of Destiny moves to the new Perth Museum.
“We will still care for the Stone of Destiny, as well as the Honours of Scotland.
“We have been working on a re-display of the Honours of Scotland, and from mid-March the Crown of Scotland, Sceptre, and Sword of State, which are amongst the oldest crown jewels in Europe, will be on display for you to see alongside the new ceremonial Elizabeth Sword.”
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