ARBROATH AND its abbey could be in for a boost with the expected release this year of a blockbuster movie centred on one of the country’s most famous heists.

The 12th century abbey was “centre stage” in April 1951 when the Stone of Destiny, or Stone of Scone, was found wrapped in a Saltire, having been taken from Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1950.

The Arbroath abbey’s environs have now been used as a set for a multi- million-pound movie due to hit the big screen this year.

The Stone of Destiny retells the true story of four students who outwitted the British authorities in their successful attempt to take the Stone of Sconeback to its country of origin.

Written and directed by the Untouchables and American Grafitti actor Charles Martin Smith, Stone of Destiny tells the story of Ian Hamilton,who reignited Scottish national pride in the 1950s with his raid on the heart of England.

It is based on the testimony of Hamilton from his book The Taking Of The Stone Of Destiny.

Charlie Cox plays Hamilton. He is joined by Kate Mara, Billy Boyd, Robert Carlyle and Brenda Fricker.

It is hoped film buffs and those interested in local history will consider visiting Arbroath to see first hand where the story came to its dramatic culmination.

Arbroath councillor Jim Millar, a former manager of Arbroath Abbey, said, “When I was giving tours of the abbey to people, they were always interested in the Stone of Destiny’s stay in Arbroath and the story behind it.”