The Stone of Destiny: Rethinking Medieval Kingship, Heritage and Education

DATE: 14 March 2026

TIME: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

LOCATION: Perth Art Gallery

TICKETS: yes

EVENT TYPE: Lectures & Talks, Museum & Gallery Events

EVENT SUITABILITY: Adults (16+)

Culture Perth & Kinross in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland are delighted to be hosting ‘Rethinking Medieval Kingship, Heritage and Education: A Symposium to mark the display of the Stone of Scone in Perth Museum’.

Join us on the 14 March 2026 to be part of a fascinating day of talks celebrating the return of the Stone of Destiny to Perthshire. This is your unique opportunity to delve into the captivating history and enduring legacy of this iconic artifact, now proudly displayed in the new Perth Museum.

Coffee and registration takes place from 9am and the conference will get underway at 9.30am, with welcomes from Culture Perth & Kinross and Historic Environment Scotland.

The day will be led by fourteen knowledgeable and engaging speakers including Gordon Noble, Stephen Driscoll, Alexandra Sanmark, Lucy Dean, Daivit Broun and Sally Foster, will share their current understanding of the Stone, grouped into four sessions exploring the following themes:

  • Scientific Analyses: exploring recent approaches to the scientific understanding of the Stone and its historical and archaeological implications
  • Early Medieval Kingship: an overview of kingship rituals in both Pictland and Ireland and the significance of Scone as a place of kingship
  • Later Medieval Kingship in Scotland: rituals of kingship with and without the Stone from the 13th century onwards, and the wider significance of the Stone
  • The Stone as cultural ‘icon’: contemporary political and cultural understandings of what the Stone means to different people.

Uncover the secrets revealed by cutting-edge research, gain a deeper understanding of the Stone’s role in shaping Scottish history and explore the enduring impact it has had on our collective imagination.

Please note that lunch is not provided, but there is a selection of shops and cafes nearby.

As part of the symposium you will also have the opportunity to book onto a post event reception held at Perth Museum from 7pm – 9pm, where you’ll be able to view the Stone of Destiny.