Three people were arrested in Edinburgh on Wednesday on suspicion of trying to damage the “Stone of Destiny,” a block of sandstone used for the coronations of British monarchs for centuries, in protest against poverty, police said.
Two women and a man, all in their 20s, were arrested in connection with a “small operation” that took place at Edinburgh Castle earlier in the day, Scottish Police said.
The 152 kg “Stone of Destiny” is an ancient symbol of the Scottish monarchy that Edward I, King of England between 1272 and 1307, brought back from Scotland as spoils of war.
“Some damage”
The stone was briefly stolen by Scottish students in 1950 and was symbolically returned to Scotland in 1996, at the height of independence sentiment. But she returns to Westminster for the coronations.
According to Historic Environment Scotland, an organization that works to promote Scotland’s heritage, the glass protecting the stone on display among the Scottish Crown Jewels suffered “some damage.” “The protection was not broken and the jewels themselves were not damaged,” a spokesman said.
The association behind the “This is Rigged” campaign, which denounces the Scottish government’s inaction on the climate and cost of living crisis, said its campaigners had painted the words “The people are mightier than a lord” on the window in Gaelic. as well as the movement’s logo.