An iconic piece of Scotland’s history could be the key to the success of Perth’s answer to the V&A, it has been argued.
MSP Murdo Fraser has suggested that the Scone of Destiny should be the centrepiece if a plan to convert Perth City Hall into a cultural attraction goes ahead.
Mr Fraser believes having the Stone of Destiny housed there would ensure the success of any plan for the hall.
He said: “There would be a fantastic opportunity to breathe life into this concept of a cultural centre at the heart of Perth city by bringing the Stone of Destiny back to its rightful place.”
“For years the future of the Stone of Destiny has been debated and I, along with many other locals, have argued that it should be located in Perthshire rather than at Edinburgh Castle.
“You have got this fantastic medieval building which is St John’s Kirk which is under-used as a tourist attraction. It has tremendous history dating back to John Knox and the Reformation and before that.
“To tie together the cultural historical experience around the Stone of Destiny and St John’s Kirk would really put Perth on the map and be something very exciting for the city.”
Having lain empty for 11 years and with plans to demolish the Edwardian halls to make way for a civic square having been blocked by the heritage watchdog, Historic Scotland (now Historic Environment Scotland), the plan is seen by many as the ideal solution to an intractable problem.
With lease negotiations currently suspended with the company hoping to convert the hall into a food market, council officials are currently examining “all options” and are due to report back by June.
Mr Fraser has long argued that the Stone of Destiny should be returned to Perthshire, previously raising a motion in the Scottish Parliament calling for it come back to Scone Palace.
“There is no historical, political, constitutional or economic reason why the Stone of Destiny should be located in Edinburgh,” said Mr Fraser in that debate.
The Scottish Government said: “Any decision to lend or relocate the Stone of Destiny outwith Edinburgh Castle is ultimately for the Commissioners of the Regalia under the terms of the 1996 Royal Warrant.”