Edinburgh castle shut as three arrested for smashing Stone of Destiny case

15 November 2023 , 17:05

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The Stone of Destiny at the Great Hall in Edinburgh Castle (Image: PA)

Edinburgh Castle has partly closed for tourists after a group of protesters damaged a glass case containing the Stone of Destiny.

The stone is an ancient symbol of Scotland's monarchy and has been used throughout history when kings of the country are coronated. It was believed to be a sacred relic, but it's earliest origins are unknown.

King Edward I of England seized the stone from Scotland in 1296 and had it built into a throne located in Westminster. It is now kept behind secure glass at Edinburgh Castle. Three people have been arrested in connection with the damage, which was caused Wednesday morning by members of a "small protest".

Edinburgh Castle (Getty Images)

Campaigners from This is Rigged allegedly smashed the glass case that held the Stone of Destiny on November 15. Police raced to the scene at around 10.45am and arrested two women aged 20 and 24 years, and a 20-year-old man in connection to the damage caused, Edinburgh Live reports.

The sacred stone has been used throughout history during the coronation of Scottish kings (Getty Images)

According to The National, the activists also spray-painted "Is Treasa Tuath Tighearna" - meaning "The People Are Mightier Than A Lord" in Gaelic.

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The graffiti was daubed on the glass itself, along with a sticker of the This Is Rigged group.

The group said their vandalism echoed the stone's history. It was taken back by a group of University of Glasgow students, who repatriated back to Scotland after taking it from Westminster Abbey.

The group reportedly issued two demands during their protest. They called for supermarkets to slash the price of baby products by a quarter. They also called for the Scottish Government to fund a community food hub for every 500 households. This would provide those in need three meals a day, reports The National.

Historic Environment Scotland told Edinburgh Live that the Crown Room and the Royal Apartments are currently closed to visitors but the rest of the Castle is open.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 10.45am on Wednesday, 15 November, we were called to a report of a small protest within Edinburgh Castle. “Officers attended and two women aged 20 and 24 years, and a 20-year-old man were arrested in connection with damage caused. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Ryan Fahey