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Tartan-clad attacker smashes case for Scotland's Stone of Destiny
An Australian man has been charged with "evil mischief" after destroying the Stone of Destiny display case at the Perth Museum. The incident raises questions about the safety of Scotland's national symbol.
Tartan-clad attacker smashes case for Scotland's Stone of Destiny
An Australian man has been charged with "malicious damage to property" after he allegedly smashed a glass case holding the Stone of Destiny. This stone is an antisini symbol for the Scottish nation.
Indictment and trial
Arnaud Harixcalde Logan, 35, appeared at Perth Sheriff Court on Monday to face charges similar to the vandalism charge. Logan, whose address was given as Sydney, was not required to enter a plea and was remanded in custody pending a hearing next week.
Perth Museum Incident
Police reported that they were called to an "incident" at the Perth Museum in central Scotland on Saturday after receiving reports of a man in a kilt trying to destroy the royal stone's casing. The 150kg block of sandstone, also known as the Stone of Scone, was used in the coronation ceremonies of medieval Scottish monarchs at Scone Abbey, near Perth. In the 13th century it was stolen by King Edward I of England and taken to Westminster Abbey in London, where it was installed under the coronation chair.
History of the Stone of Destiny
The stone has been used in all coronations at the abbey since then - first for English and then British monarchs. The English and Scottish crowns were united under one monarch in the 17th century. The stone's presence in London has long angered Scottish nationalists. In 1950 it was stolen from Westminster Abbey by four Glasgow University students, but was returned in time for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
Returns and current security measures
In 1996, 700 years after its confiscation, the stone was finally returned to Scotland and displayed at Edinburgh Castle, with the understanding that it would be returned to England for future coronations. Due to the sensitivity of the subject, the stone had to be transported to London with great secrecy and tight security to be used at the coronation of King Charles III. to be used in 2023.
Exhibition at Perth Museum
Last year, the stone was put on display at the newly renovated Perth Museum, where, according to the building's website, "a range of 24/7 security measures are in place to protect this precious object." The Perth and Kinross Cultural Authority, which oversees the museum, said the stone was not damaged in the incident.