The bid to have the Stone of Destiny brought to Perth has taken a major step forward.
Culture Perth and Kinross has revealed a “world class” design company has been brought on board to envisage how the precious artefact could be displayed in the revamped Perth City Hall.
The appointment of Metaphor as the interpretation and exhibition designers for both the city hall and Perth Museum and Art Gallery is seen as strengthening the city’s case to bring the Stone of Destiny from Edinburgh Castle.
“I personally feel pretty optimistic,” said Culture Perth and Kinross chair Charles Kinnoull of the bid which would see the mysterious stone on free public view.
“Metaphor have done so many beautiful things. I think they will do something really, really good for the stone.”
They will work with the architects appointed for the joint £30 million projects, Mecanoo and Hoskins Architects, to develop new interiors and exhibition spaces in both buildings and bring the stories of Perth’s “Ancient Roots and its Modern Scots” to life.
Metaphor’s track record include Shakespeare’s Globe, the Ashmolean Museum, major galleries in the V&A London and in the National Museums and Galleries of Scotland. It is currently developing the exhibitions for the proposed St Kilda visitor centre to be located on Lewis.
Councillor Ian Campbell, leader of Perth and Kinross Council, said that interpreting and explaining art and artefacts was “a key part of a successful cultural venue and will ensure the museum and city hall are the top-class attractions that Perth and Kinross deserves.”
Helen Smout, chief executive of Culture Perth and Kinross, added: “The museum collections of Perth and Kinross are of national significance and we will be bringing the stories they tell to life at city hall and Perth museum – for local people and visitors from across the UK and the world.”
Lord Kinnoull said that all elements of the project were making “steady progess” and he envisaged builders on site at the city hall by the end of 2019, with opening set for 2021.
Work should start in the second half of next year on the first element of the project, an edge of town storage facility for the museum collections.
