Scottish coronations took place at the monastery of Scone (Scone Palace now stands where the monastery was). The Stone (now housed at Edinurgh Castle) is hollowed out in the centre and this is where the monarchs sat for the crowning and oaths of allegiance. Scone is near Perth in central Scotland. The Stone is said to have come from Ireland and was first used at the crowning of the Kings of Dalriada (Modern day West Scotland) in the late 6th and early 7th century.

The Crown of Scotland dates from 1540 when James V King of Scots ordered the original crown to be refashioned. The circlet at the base is made from Scottish gold and is encrusted with 22 gemstones and 20 precious stones taken from the previous crown. Freshwater pearls from Scotland's rivers were also used. The crown weighs 3 lb 10 oz. The velvet and ermine bonnet was added as well to bring it to its present form. It is not known exactly when the crown was originally made.

The Sceptre of Scotland was a gift from Pope Alexander VI to James IV King of Scots in 1494, and was remodelled and lengthened in 1536. It is made of silver gilt, and is topped by a finial with polished rock and a Scottish pearl.

The Sword of State of Scotland was also a papal gift; Pope Julius II presented it to James IV King of Scots in 1507. The etched blade, measuring 4.5 feet in length,includes figures of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, as well as the etched name of Julius II. The silver gilt handle bears figures of oak leaves and acorns. The sword was damaged in 1652 whilst being hidden from Cromwell's troops, it had to be broken in half in order to be properly concealed. It is accompanied by a wooden scabbard which is covered with velvet and silver and hung from a woven silk and thread of gold belt.

Together they are the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the United Kingdom.



(Information on the Scottish Crown Jewels taken from Scotland: The Story of a Nation by Magnus Magnusson)