Scotland’s “crown jewels” will be removed from public display for three months next year to create a new area for them in Edinburgh Castle.
The Honours of Scotland – the Crown of Scotland, Sceptre, and Sword of State – are the oldest crown jewels in Britain and among the oldest in Europe.
His Majesty the King is presented with the Crown of Scotland by the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon during the celebrations for the 25th Anniversary of the Scottish Parliament. 28 September 2024. Pic- Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament
First used together at the coronation of Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1543, they draw visitors from all over the world to the Crown Room in the Royal Palace in Edinburgh Castle.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which operates the ancient fortress, said the Crown Room will close from 12 January until Easter for refurbishment including the creation of a new exhibition space.
The development comes after the Stone of Destiny, kept alongside the Honours after being returned to Scotland in 1996, was permanently relocated to Perth Museum last year.
During the period of closure, a temporary exhibition about the Honours will be staged in the castle’s Great Hall, “using high quality digital techniques to explore them in detail”.
A spokesperson for HES said: “From Monday 12 January until Easter 2026 the Crown Room at the castle will be temporarily closed to allow for the refurbishment of the vault and the creation of a new display for the Honours of Scotland.
“This work follows the relocation of the Stone of Destiny to Perth Museum and marks a significant moment in the evolving story of Scotland’s national treasures.
“During this period, the Honours will not be on public display.”
Visitors will be able to enjoy what is described as “a rich and engaging experience” at Edinburgh Castle, including the temporary exhibition relating the story of the Honours of Scotland, with living history performances, replica object handling and family-friendly activities including crafts.
The spokesperson added: “The programme has been carefully designed to ensure that every visit remains memorable, even while the Honours are temporarily away from view.”
The Honours of Scotland have held profound historical significance in Scotland for centuries, but have had a turbulent existence.
The regalia were removed from Edinburgh Castle and hidden in 1651-60 to keep them from Oliver Cromwell’s army.
In 1707, following the Act of Union between England and Scotland, they were locked in a chest and sealed away, only to be rediscovered in 1818 by the poet and novelist Sir Walter Scott.
Their centrepiece is the Crown of Scotland, crafted in gold and silver and laden with 94 pearls and 43 gemstones including diamonds, garnets and amethysts.
James V had the Crown made in 1540, likely in part from an earlier Scottish Crown which had been damaged, and first wore it at the coronation of Mary of Guise that same year.
The Sceptre, thought to have been a gift to James IV from Pope Alexander VI in 1494, displays High Renaissance Italian craftsmanship, with the finial formed from a globe of polished rock crystal on top of which sits a gold orb capped with a single large pearl.
The Sword of State was gifted to James IV by Pope Julius II in 1507. The fragile blade was retired from use some years ago and a new Sword of State for ceremonial purposes forged ahead of the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication held at St Giles’ Cathedral following the coronation of King Charles III.
Thanksgiving Service held at St Giles’ Cathedral when Their Highnesses The King and Queen were shown the Honours of Scotland PHOTO ©2023 The Edinburgh Reporter
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