Church 'livid' at Stone's return

The stone was taken to London by King Edward I in 1296

The decision to return the Stone of Destiny to Scotland 10 years ago caused consternation among the Church of England authorities, it has emerged.

The Stone, the ancient symbol of Scottish monarchy, had been in Westminster Abbey for 700 years.

In 1996, the Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Forsyth pushed for the stone's return.

In a BBC Scotland documentary, it is revealed that the Dean of Westminster Abbey was "livid" at the move.

James Wilkinson, an honorary steward at the abbey, said the Dean vehemently disagreed with the decision.

The day the Stone came home

Lord Forsyth of Drumlean had to secure the agreement of the then Prime Minister John Major and the Queen before the historic removal could take place.

He told the programme he saw no reason why the stone should not be returned but said that the move upset a lot of people.

The sandstone relic returned to Scotland in November 1996 amid much pomp and ceremony.

It is now located at Edinburgh Castle, however, as part of the deal for the stone's return, it will head south for future coronations.

You can hear the full story on When the Stone Came Home, on BBC Radio Scotland at 1130 GMT on Thursday 30 November.