THE historic Stone of Scone is to be returned to Scotland exactly 700 years after its removal, the British Prime Minister announced yesterday. Mr Major said the stone - also known as the Stone of Destiny - would be taken from Westminster Abbey and placed in an "appropriate setting".
In a Commons statement, he said he believed: "The Stone of Destiny holds a special place in the hearts of Scots. I believe that on this, the 700th anniversary of its removal from Scotland it is appropriate to return it to its historic homeland." The stone was taken from Scotland by King Edward I in 1296 and used in the coronation of British kings ever since. Scottish nationalists have long demanded its return.
Mr Major said in his statement that the stone is to remain the property of the Crown and will "be taken to Westminster Abbey to play its traditional role in the coronation ceremonies of future sovereigns". The move was greeted with a mixture of jeers and ironic cheers from the Opposition benches.
The Labour leader, Mr Tony Blair, said the stone's return "is a welcome recognition of how we can celebrate the unity of the United Kingdom whilst believing that we are distinct and proud nations with differing traditions, histories and cultures".
Liberal Democrat Sir David Steel welcomed the move but warned Mr Major that "it is the settled view of the majority of people that they want not just the symbol but the substance of the return of democratic control over our internal affairs in Scotland".
The move was greeted with a mixture of jeers and ironic cheers from the Opposition benches.
Mr Major said in his statement that the stone is to remain the property of the crown.