THE 500TH anniversary of the Sword of State for Scotland should be celebrated by returning the Stone of Destiny to Scone Palace, a Perthshire MSP has claimed.

The sword is part of the Honours of Scotland and was presented to King James IV in 1507 as a gift from Pope Julius II.

The other elements of the honours are the crown and the sceptre.

First Minister Alex Salmond this week said Scotland should always showcase the Honours of Scotland—Scotland’s Crown Jewels—to the nation.

Murdo Fraser believes the Stone of Destiny, a significant symbol of Scotland’s history, should also be accessible to the people of Scotland and displayed in its home in Perthshire.

Last year the Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP secured a debate in the Scottish Parliament on returning the stone to Scone.

Also called the Stone of Scone, it is kept in Edinburgh Castle.

It was returned to Scotland by the UK Government in 1996 and provisions have been made to take it to Westminster Abbey when it is needed for coronation ceremonies.

Mr Fraser said, “The Scottish Crown Jewels are an important symbol of Scotland and I welcome the 500th anniversary of the Sword of State for Scotland, which is another artefact that underlines the length of our nation’s history.

“The Scottish Crown Jewels are housed in their rightful home in Edinburgh Castle and are displayed for visitors to view them.

“The Stone of Destiny is also housed and displayed in Edinburgh Castle alongside the Scottish Crown Jewels.

“However, the Stone of Destiny has no connection or history with Edinburgh and I believe that it should be returned to its rightful home in Perthshire.

“In Perthshire, the Stone of Destiny could be displayed to the public in its proper context and environment.

“That is why Alex Salmond as First Minister should keep to his word that Scotland’s historic symbols should be presented to the nation and allow the Stone of Destiny to return to Perthshire.

“As First Minister, Alex Salmond is one of the Stone of Destiny’s Commissioners and has the opportunity to put forward the case that the Stone of Destiny should be returned to its rightful home in Perthshire.”

He agreed issues such as security and housing the stone properly must be considered, but said, “The first step for the Stone of Destiny to be returned is to get the political willpower.”