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Scone Palace, historic coronation site of Scotland's monarchs.

Introduction

This evening, I am posting information on Scone Palace. This is a 19th century mansion built on a site indelibly linked with concept of a Scottish state since the 9th century. 

 
Main Etnrance, Scone Palace, Perth

Information on Scone Palace

Scone Palace is currently the home of the 9th Earl of Mansfield, Alexander David Mungo Murray. It dates from 1803 and is built in the Gothic style.

Summary facts and information concerning Scone Palace-
  • Scone is pronounced ‘Skoon’. The name may be derived from the Gaelic word sgonn which means lump of wood.
  • Located near Perth, about 45 miles north of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city.
  • A major visitor attraction set in 200 acres of grounds.
  • In front of the Palace is Moot Hill, the crowning place of Scottish kings from 9th century through to Charles II in 1651.
  • Historically, coronations were performed with the person to be crowned sitting on a sandstone block known as the ‘Stone of Scone’. What is believed to be the original Stone is held in Edinburgh Castle. A replica stone is held on site, as shown in image no 4 below.
  • To facilitate construction of the Palace, a pre-existing village was re-located two miles away. Vestiges of the original village remain and include the Mercat Cross ( image no 3 below) and an archway.
  • The Palace interior contains a rich collection of paintings and antiques.
  • Outside, in addition to the parkland, are well maintained gardens, a maze and Pinetum associated with plant collector David Douglas (1799-1834). Douglas started his working life at Scone and went on to establish a reputation as a plant collector in North America, giving his name to the Douglas Fir.
 
Main Entrance to Scone Palace

 
Scone Palace

 
Mercat Cross, Scone Palace

 
Stone of Scone ( replica), Scone Palace.
 
NB: The Stone of Scone (also known as the Stone of Destiny) is currently located at the Perth Museum in Perth. It was moved there in 2024 from its long-time home in the Crown Room of Edinburgh Castle. 

 
Moot Hill with Peacock and Presbyterian Chapel, Scone



Peacock at Scone.
 

More information

For more information on the country’s history and Scotland in general please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.

 
 



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