A royal artefact has returned to its historic home after seven centuries following a weekly newspaper’s campaign.

HTFP previously reported how the Perthshire Advertiser had campaigned to return the Stone of Destiny, used since ancient times to crown Scottish – and later British – monarchs, to Perth.

The Advertiser even secured Perth-born actor Ewan McGregor’s support for the bid.

The stone, also known as the Stone of Scone, was historically based at Scone Palace but was removed from Perthshire 724 years ago.

It was taken to England by Edward I, but was returned to Scotland in 1996 and was most recently housed at Edinburgh Castle.

But at Christmas it was revealed the relic would become the centrepiece of a new £26.5 million museum at Perth City Hall after the Commissioners for the Safeguarding of the Regalia made the decision on behalf of the Queen that it should be moved from Edinburgh.

The news provided a splash for the Advertiser

Advertiser editor Douglas Dickie told HTFP: “There have long been rumours of the Stone of Destiny returning to Perthshire, but we were determined this time it would become a reality.

“We really hoped to persuade people to make their views known on the issue – and that certainly happened.

“Over 1,800 people took part in the consultation with the vast majority supporting the return of the stone to the region. I’m sure many of them were persuaded and encouraged to do so by our It Is Our Destiny campaign.

“It was a moment of great pride to see our name listed among the consultees along with other local businesses. I hope we put forward a persuasive case.”

Douglas went on to credit “every single person who fought for the stone to be brought back to its spiritual home”.

He added: “Especially Perth and Kinross Council who put forward such a fantastic proposal that was easy to support.

“In these dark times, it gives the city and the region as a whole something to look forward to.

“We had managed to get Obi Wan Kenobi himself – Ewan McGregor – to back our campaign, and it seems the Force really was with us.”