Friday, November 8, 2024

11:30 - 12:00

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Details

Ross Irving, and Kathy Richmond, Historic Environment Scotland, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The Honours of Scotland, which comprise the Crown of Scotland, the Sceptre, the Sword of State and the Stone of Destiny have long been contested objects which continue to spark fierce public debate. They represent monarchy, conflict and nationhood and retain their ceremonial function as regalia. This ceremonial function as well as political change has brought them into focus in 2023 and 2024 with the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the Coronation of Charles III and the return of the Stone of Destiny to a new museum in Perth. These objects are relevant and contentious because of their history and have been targeted by anti-royalists, independence protesters, activists and conspiracy theorists who would seek touse their high status and significance to draw attention to their cause. How then, do we balance the need for public access to these objects, both for visitors but also to allow them to be used ceremonially as they were intended? Historic Environment Scotland manage these objects on behalf of the Crown and the Commissioners for the Safeguarding of the Regalia and are responsible for their transport, security and care. We will explore their history, from origin myths of the Stone of Destiny as the Stone of Jacob, to the events of 2023/2024 which brough them national and international attention. We will share our approach to transport, display and risk management for objects of high significance and high threat level in an environment of frenzied media attention and fierce public debate.

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Speaker