Scone Palace is located at the geographical and historical heart of Scotland. Originally the capital of Pictavia, it was here that Kenneth MacAlpin, after uniting the Picts and Celts, was crowned King of the Scots upon the Stone of Scone - also known as the Stone of Destiny - on the Moot Hill in 838 AD.
The same site was used for the crowning of all the Scottish Kings since then including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. The Abbey Palace of Scone was the lodging of the kings before their coronation, and the city that grew up around the Palace was the seat of government.
The Abbey of Scone and the Bishops' Palace were ransacked and burned by a mob during the Reformation in 1559. The Gowries built a new palace in 1580, but after the Gowrie conspiracy Sir David Murray was created Lord Scone and given the Lands and Palace of Scone as a reward for helping to save the life of King James VI.
Today, Scone Palace is the family home of the Earls of Mansfield, who are the descendants of David Murray.
A Wonderful Day Out
Scone makes a wonderful day out for all the family. The Palace and its grounds echo with history. Many fine rooms are open to the public, including the Royal Long Gallery, 142 feet long and home to many family portraits. The Palace houses a fabulous collection of furniture, clocks, needlework, porcelain and objets d'art.
Gardens and Grounds
The Grounds are rich with history. The Moot Hill, close to the Palace and topped by a Chapel and a replica of the Stone of Destiny, is made from the earth brought by tribal chiefs paying allegiance to their new king. The last coronation in Scotland took place here in 1651, when Charles II was crowned by the Scots. Scone's famous Pinetum is a unique collection of rare pines, including Giant Sequoia Redwoods, Sitka Spruce and Douglas Firs, some of which are over 150 feet tall. There are pleasant walks through 100 acres of Wild Garden with magnificent displays of daffodils, rhododendrons and azaleas. Some of Scone's other outdoor attractions include a fine picnic area, an adventure playground, a collection of vintage agricultural machinery, peacocks, highland cattle and domestic pets.
Around the Palace there are vast parklands, a polo field, race course, cricket pitch, the River Tay and magnificent grounds in which to hold your event. We will be pleased to discuss your requirements whether it be fishing, shooting, clay pigeon, croquet or Highland games.