Army pipers mark transfer of the Stone of Destiny

Soldiers from Balaklava Company of 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, provided sentries and a Quarter Guard with the pipers on show representing The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry and the City of Edinburgh University Officers Training Corp.

The Stone of Destiny is an ancient symbol of Scotland’s monarchy, used for centuries in the inauguration of its Kings and is seen as a sacred object, although its earliest origins are now unknown. cAlso known as the Stone of Scone, the 152-kilo block of sandstone carries enormous symbolism and historic significance and was used last year in the Coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey.

Piper Major Mark Macrae led the procession from the Great Hall of Edinburgh Castle, playing ‘The Return of the Stone’ – a tune composed by Major Gavin Stoddard MBE BEM, into Crown Square. Mark, from Golspie in Sutherland, said in a news release published by the British Army:

“That’s what I joined the Army for, these incredible opportunities like today. Taking part in the Queen’s Birthday Parades were very special and they achieve worldwide attention, so you feel that sense of duty and honour. It’s exactly the same during an occasion such as this and being part of the Stone of Destiny ceremony. It’s a massive privilege because there’s not too many people who get to be directly involved. This ceremony today is part of Scotland’s history and my family is always very proud of the job that I do.”

You can read more on this from the British Army here.