Stone of Scone

The Stone of Scone is the traditional coronation stone of Scottish Kings and Queens is still a powerful symbol of Scottish independence.

Also known as the Stone of Destiny, the stone was kept at Scone Palace for nearly 500 years. It was placed upon the Moot Hill and used in the coronations of the Kings and Queens of Scotland until the end of the 13th century, when it was stolen by English King Edward and taken to Westminster Abbey. The Stone was finally restored to the people of Scotland in 1996 when the British Government moved it to Edinburgh Castle, where it is housed to this day.

The Stone of Scone has now been in use for the crowning of Scots monarchs for more than 1000 years. It was last used at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II - and so still performs its traditional duty, furfilling the ancient prophecy: "Except old seers do feign and wizard wits be blind, the Scots in place must reign where they this stone shall find."