The possible return of the historic Stone of Scone could trigger a much-needed “renaissance” for the city centre, it has been claimed.
The homecoming is part of a £20million cultural shake-up which was proposed as part of the recently adopted Perth City Plan, a vision of developments and investments over the next 20 years.
The plan was put together by the Perth City Development Board, led by former McEwens boss John Bullough.
He confirmed that the organisation had been working on a plan to bring the Stone of Destiny to Perth for several years.
“If full council approve this ambitious and exciting proposal, then we would hope to make a formal application to Historic and Environment Scotland and the Commissioners of the Regalia in the next few months,” he said.
“This will be an essential part of a massive cultural plan to make Perth a significant international destination and to initiative the renaissance that Perth so desperately and richly deserves.”
He added: “Perth is one of Scotland’s oldest and greatest cities and these developments will cement our credentials as a ‘must see’ Scottish destination.
“If approved, I am confident that this will be seen as a critical turning point in Perth’s fortunes and together with Dundee’s V&A will make Tayside a cultural centre of excellence.”
Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart has also backed the plan.
He said: “This could form part of a major tourist attraction for Perth and would be a great boost to the local economy.
“At a time when we are looking at ways to increase footfall in the City of Perth, this is a fantastic proposal and I hope that we can all work together to see this plan come to fruition.”
Mr Wishart, who has previously called for the stone’s return, added: “This proposal complements the hard work that is being done on the City of Culture bid and the wider work that is being done to boost Perth as a cultural hub. There is no doubt that this would be a huge cultural attraction for Perth.”
Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser, who has also called for the Stone of Destiny to return to Perthshire, said: “Prior to its removal from Scotland, the stone had always been located in Scone and I believe it is now time for it to be returned to its rightful home in Perthshire.
“Any return of the stone would need to be agreed by the First Minister and I would encourage the Scottish Government to seriously consider these proposals and the outcome of Wednesday’s debate.”
The artefact is expected to tie in with the much heralded redevelopment of Perth Theatre. The venue is due to reopen next year.
Gwilym Gibbons, chief executive of Horsecross Arts, the organisation behind the theatre and Perth Concert Hall, said: “We excited to follow the progress of this innovative proposal which would further enhance the area’s appeal as a cultural destination and lend further weight to Perth’s bid to becoming the UK’s City of Culture in 2021, with all the economic and social benefits that this would entail.”
