A 35-year-old man from Sydney, Australia has been charged with “malicious mischief.” He’s been accused of smashing the glass case holding the historic Stone of Scone at a museum in Perth, Scotland. The incident has already raised alarm. Others are concerned with saving an artifact that is deeply rooted within the British monarchy itself for centuries.
The Stone of Scone, better known as the Stone of Destiny, has a legendary past. The Englishman’s score played a prominent role in the coronations of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and 70 years later, King Charles III in 2023. The stone had spent nearly 700 years in England at Westminster Abbey. In 1996, after intense debate, it was returned to Scotland. Since then, it has been proudly displayed at Edinburgh Castle. This is in part an indication of its deep connections to both Scottish and UK royal tradition.
On the day of the incident, Arnaud Harixcalde Logan allegedly smashed the glass enclosure holding the Stone of Scone. In Scots law, malicious mischief is generally the crime of willfully damaging or destroying another’s property. It emphasizes the seriousness of intentionally causing damage to someone else’s property. Logan’s first appearance at Perth Sheriff Court where he pleaded guilty to this one charge. After the proceedings he was further remanded in custody, his next court appearance set for eight days later.
The importance of the Stone of Scone goes deeper than its tangible existence. The legitimacy and authority of Scottish monarchs has for centuries been tied to this symbol. Its storied past is inextricably linked to our country’s narrative, national identity. The disputed removal of the stone to England in the 13th century sparked passionate conflicts over sovereignty and cultural heritage. These issues are still extremely relevant in today’s society.
The Stone of Scone returned to Scotland. Today it inspires vibrant conversations around cultural heritage and historic preservation. Historians and citizens alike are incensed by the reckless perforation of the stone’s protective casing. To them, it’s a national treasure that deserves our full commitment to protect.