Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, has today welcomed news that the Stone of Destiny will return to Perthshire.

The decision to display the Stone in Perth will allow members of the public to visit the Stone for free as the centrepiece of a new museum.

Commenting, Mr Swinney said:

“I am absolutely delighted by this news. As someone who has campaigned for the Stone to return to Perthshire for almost a quarter of a century, it sometimes seemed like this day would never come.

“The return of the Stone to its ancestral home will be a huge boost to the economy of the Perthshire. Indeed, the Stone’s relocation to Perth will put it within 90 minutes driving distance of 70% of Scotland’s population, and will surely lead to an increase in those visiting our city and the surrounding areas.

“Moreover, this is welcome news in what has been an incredibly difficult year for us all. The Stone’s return, and the undoubted benefits it will bring, is something for us all to look forward to as the Scottish Government continues the rollout of its vaccination programme.”