Three held for protest targeting sacred Scottish stone

Pallade Veneta - Three held for protest targeting sacred Scottish stone

Three held for protest targeting sacred Scottish stone / Photo: RUSSELL CHEYNE - POOL/AFP

Three people have been arrested in Edinburgh, police said on Wednesday, after activists targeted the ancient Stone of Destiny used for centuries in the coronation of British monarchs.

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Police Scotland said two women aged 20 and 24, and a 20-year-old man were held in connection with damage caused at a "small protest" at Edinburgh Castle.

The 152-kilogram (335-pound) Stone of Destiny -- the ancient symbol of Scotland's monarchy -- was seized by English king Edward I in 1296 and taken to London's Westminster Abbey.

The sacred slab of sandstone was seized in an audacious raid by Scottish students in 1950, who accidentally broke it in two. It was brought back to Scotland permanently in 1996.

Also known as the Stone of Scone, it now only ever leaves Scotland for coronations and was last used in May when King Charles III was officially crowned.

Historic Environment Scotland said the protest saw "some damage" to the protective glass housing the stone, in the Crown Room where the Honours of Scotland -- Scotland's crown jewels -- are kept.

"The casing was not breached and the Honours themselves were not damaged," a spokesperson said.

Activists claimed to have spray painted "The people are mightier than a lord" in Gaelic, alongside the logo of protest group This is Rigged.

This is Rigged is a direct action group which campaigns against food poverty during the cost-of-living crisis.

O.Merendino--PV

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Pallade Veneta - Three held for protest targeting sacred Scottish stone