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Jul-Oct 2000 Feature 4: The Stone Of Destiny Returns The Stone of DestinyOn St Andrews Day, 30th November 1996, Scotland's coronation stone, the Stone of Destiny, was installed in Edinburgh Castle.About 10,000 people lined the Royal Mile to watch the procession of dignitaries and troops escort the stone from Holyrood Palace to the castle. In a service at St Giles cathedral the Church of Scotland Moderator, the Right Reverend John MacIndoe, formally accepted the stone's return saying it would "strengthen the proud distinctiveness of the people of Scotland." Once inside the castle, the stone was laid on an oak table before the grand fireplace of the early 16th century Great Hall. The Scottish Secretary of State, Michael Forsyth, ceremoniously received it from Prince Andrew, who was representing the Queen. Outside the castle, under clear blue skies, a twenty-one gun salute was fired from the Half-Moon Battery, echoed by HMS Newcastle lying anchored off Leith harbour in the Firth of Forth. An official was asked why the Scottish flag, the Saltire (St Andrews Cross) was not flying at the highest point on the Castle. He replied that because Prince Andrew, (second son of the Queen) was inside, the flag of the United Kingdom, the Union Jack, had to fly on top. The Stone of Destiny, traditional coronation stone of Scottish Kings and Queens was stolen by English King Edward I 700 years ago and is still a powerful symbol of Scottish independence. Inside the Great Hall of Edinburgh Castle, the first visitors crowded towards the great fireplace to see the stone. Michael Forsyth, Secretary of State for Scotland, talked to invited guests after the handing-over ceremony. All Rights Reserved |
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