A COMMUNITY group has completed a project to learn more about the Scottish crown jewels and their links to the north-east.

The Woodview Heritage Project, which works with adults in Stonehaven who have learning disabilities, has recreated the “honours” of Scotland after researching the history of the jewels.

The project was the third phase of an initiative that was awarded £33,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

“The aim is to raise awareness of local history,” said project worker Fiona Paterson.

Though they now rest in Edinburgh, the honours of Scotland have close links with the north-east.

The crown, sword and sceptre were first hidden in Dunnottar Castle, near Stonehaven, to stop their destruction by Oliver Cromwell. Later, they were smuggled by boat to Kinneff Parish Church and hidden under the floorboards.

The 10 adults from the Woodview Heritage Project have been researching the subject since July.

They have travelled to take a look at the Scottish regalia in Edinburgh Castle and get a better idea of what they were creating.

The life-size models were created using wire and air-dried clay. They were then decorated with gold leaf, stones and other materials to create realistic models.

The project also encouraged group members to improve their research skills by using cameras and computers.

The exhibition will run at Stonehaven library until the end of the month.