ALBA have demanded that 100 Scots guard the Stone of Destiny as it travels to London for the coronation of King Charles to prevent it from being stolen.
The stone, which traditionally sits in a nook under the seat of the Coronation Chair, was returned to Scotland in 1996 after a lengthy absence, broken only by its famous removal in the early 1950s before the coronation of the late Queen.
It is now kept safe by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the country’s official body for managing heritage sites and objects, and the organisation said members of its staff will move the stone from Edinburgh Castle, where it now sits, to Westminster Abbey for the coronation of the new King.
But Alba Party general secretary Chris McEleny has demanded the movement of the stone, also known as the Stone of Scone, be overseen by “100 Guardians of Scotland”, raising fears the stone could once again be stolen by England.
And he suggested Scots could attempt to block its removal from Edinburgh Castle when it begins its journey south for Charles’s coronation. No date has been set for the ceremony.
He said: “As part of the 1328 treaty of Northampton, the Stone of Destiny was supposed to be repatriated to Scotland after its theft by Edward Longshanks in 1296.
“But of course, England reneged on this after a crowd blocked its removal from Westminster Abbey – perhaps this will act as inspiration for Scots when we gather at Edinburgh castle when it is due to be removed.
“However, to prevent a London attempt to steal the stone again – for a third time – it should be made a condition that it must accompanied by 100 Guardians of Scotland to ensure it doesn’t rejoin a long list of stolen artefacts and resources that reside in London.”
A spokesperson said: “HES will move the Stone of Destiny to Westminster Abbey in advance of the Coronation and then return it to Scotland.
“No further details are available at this time.”
The stone was pillaged by invading English forces under Edward I – sometimes known as the Hammer of the Scots – in the 13th century.
Under the Treaty of Northampton in 1328 – which secured a peace between the two warring states and saw England recognise Robert the Bruce as King of Scotland – it was agreed the stone be moved from London to Edinburgh.
Angry demonstrators blocked the stone from leaving Westminster Abbey and it remained in England until 1950, taking a brief sojourn to Gloucester Cathedral during the Blitz.
It was repatriated but broken by a gang of students, including the famous Scottish advocate and campaigner Ian Hamilton, who managed to get the stone back to Scotland in 1951.
The British Government launched a search for the stone and it was taken back to London in time for the Queen’s coronation the following year.
It was returned to Edinburgh in 1996 and then, in 2020, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the stone would move to Perth.
