Council leaders in Perth could face a fight to secure the Stone of Destiny as a major tourism attraction.
The ancient treasure is planned as the centrepiece at a new multi-million-pound cultural hub at the City Hall.
Perth and Kinross Council believe the new attraction, expected to be at the vacant City Hall building, could bring an extra 160,000 visitors to the city and pump about £1 million into the local economy each year.
However, the local authority could be up against some resistance from those who would prefer the Stone stays as an attraction at Edinburgh Castle.
Lothian MSP Miles Briggs is calling for the artefact to remain at the capital.
“The Stone of Destiny is part of the Honours of Scotland and the impressive offering of attractions at Edinburgh Castle and as such I don’t believe it should be broken up from the rest of the Honours,” he said. “I thought it was only SNP students who got exercised about the fate of the Stone of Destiny.”
However, the proposed investment – which councillors will be urged to back next week – has been welcomed by the Federation of Small Businesses.
Gillian MacEwan, who chairs the Perth and Kinross branch, said: “The Stone of Destiny – or rather, Stone of Scone – is quintessentially Scottish; an icon for a people proud of their history and heritage and a key attraction for tourists interested in all that our country has to offer.
“While its current location in Edinburgh Castle works well, it is but one of many competing attractions in Edinburgh and that city is not its rightful home.”
She added: “Where better to display the Stone of Scone than in a splendid new setting in the Fair City, close to its original home at the crowning site of the ancient Scottish kings: a refurbished and revitalised Perth Museum and Art Gallery? It would be quite a home-coming, and its presence would attract many more visitors and help breathe new life into Perth city centre, something that is greatly needed.”
The national body Museums Galleries Scotland has also welcomed the council’s plan for a multimillion-pound investment in its cultural projects.
Chief executive officer Joanne Orr said: “Perth and Kinross Council’s museums and galleries care for a collection which is recognised as nationally significant.
“The proposed investment to transform Perth Museum and Art Gallery into a cultural hub would showcase this important collection for the community and visitors to enjoy.”
