Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has lodged a motion at the Scottish Parliament asking for cross-party support to back the bid to have the historic Stone of Destiny returned to Perth.
The politician, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, is asking fellow MSPs to back the view that the Stone should return to Perth to be the centrepiece of the £23 million refurbishment of Perth City Hall - where it could be viewed for free.
Mr Fraser has also stated he feels the Stone should return to Perth as it was kept for centuries at Scone Abbey. He is asking for cross-party support at the Scottish Parliament to tell the Scottish Government and the Commissioners of the Regalia that they want this to happen.
This follows the announcement that the Scottish Government have launched a six-week consultation process where local residents can give their views on the future of the Stone of Destiny.
The Stone was originally used for crowning Scottish monarchs at Scone Abbey. It has been located at Edinburgh Castle since 1995.
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “I have lodged a motion at the Scottish Parliament calling for cross-party support to back the bid to have the Stone of Destiny returned to Perth.
“It’s great to see a consultation is going to take place now and I would encourage local residents to take part in this process.”
He added: “The Stone of Destiny is one of Scotland’s most famous artefacts. I believe the stone has one more journey to make – back to its historic home in Perth and Kinross.”
The motion lodged on the Stone of Destiny at the Scottish Parliament asks: ‘That the Parliament welcomes a consultation on the future of the Stone of Destiny; notes the view that the Stone of Destiny should return to Perth to be the centrepiece of the £23 million refurbishment of Perth City Hall - where it could be viewed for free; further notes the view that the Stone should return to Perth as it was kept for centuries at Scone Abbey and currently costs admission money to see it at Edinburgh Castle, and wishes Perth and Kinross Council every success in their bid to have the Stone returned to Perth.’