Former Perth Provost pens book on the Stone of Destiny

A fascination with The Stone of Destiny has produced a gripping book about the iconic artefact – including the intriguing theory that the original stone is hidden elsewhere in Scotland.

The author of The Stone of Destiny and The Scots - The Stone’s Journey to Perth Museum – is former Perth Provost John Hulbert.

He said his imagination was fired up by the stone as a schoolboy after hearing about the daring raid on Westminster Abbey by Glasgow University students who took the artefact on Christmas Day 1950.

The Stone of Destiny had been used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs for centuries before it was stolen by the forces of King Edward I of England in 1296.

The book’s publication coincides with the opening last month of the new £27million Perth Museum which has The Stone of Destiny as the jewel in the crown.

Dr Hulbert (85) – who served as a Perth and Kinross councillor between 1995 and 2012, the last five years as Provost - said this week his book had been more than a decade in the making.

He commented: “I was about 11 when the stone was repatriated to Scotland in 1950. It has always interested me. It is an inspiration.”

But the stone now on display, he believes, was substituted to deceive King Edward I of England and the original one has been lost.

The Perth stone, also known as the Stone of Scone, however is a bona fide historical artefact.

He added: “The stone in Perth today should in no way be downgraded or ignored.

“It’s not likely that [the original stone] will be found. It might be discovered. The story should be examined for clues as to where it might be.

“One of the possibilities is its incorporation into Scone Palace. The abbey of Scone was destroyed in the Reformation in 1559. Presumably it was left as a ruin.

“Scone Abbey was robbed of its stonework to build the palace. It could be there [Scone Palace]. It could be buried. There has been no serious archaeological investigation of the site of Scone Abbey.”

Dr Hulbert was a Carse of Gowrie GP for more than 30 years and during his time as Provost led the campaign which restored Perth’s ancient city status, removed in 1975.

He said: “The idea of writing the book was certainly over 10 years ago and it has been on my mind ever since.

“When the stone was finally going to come to Perth it seemed to be appropriate to try and bring the whole thing together and get it published at this time. I’m glad that has been successful.

“The Perth Museum stone has acquired an almost religious aura and I’m sure that will continue.”

The Stone of Destiny and the Scots by John Hulbert is published by Perth-based Tippermuir Books priced £10.99.

The author will appear at an event in Perth Waterstones to discuss the book, chaired by Perth historian and singer Nicky Small, on Tuesday, May 7.