Perth (Scotland)

...under the ‘Perth’ category, since Perth is the nearest town to Scone, only a couple of miles away, and Ciao never let me add separate attraction categories to what they consider to be minor Scottish towns! Although I was the youngest by 30 years on this trip, I still managed to have a great time – because Scone Palace appeals to all ages, and is such an interesting place to visit, as I hope this op will show.

Perth ...
...in geographical terms, and Scone Palace at the heart of Scotland’s history. Scone is certainly associated with Scottish kings, since the very earliest times. The King Macbeth for example, supposedly bled to death on the floor of Scone, and there were many dramatic coronations here, including that of Robert the Bruce, and much later, of Charles II. Scone was of great importance for the crowning and anointing of kings, since the famous Stone ... more

I have just got back from a day trip to Scone Palace, and thought I’d write an op on it whilst it’s still fresh in my memory. I have written it under the ‘Perth’ category, since Perth is the nearest town to Scone, only a couple of miles away, and Ciao never let me add separate attraction categories to what they consider to be minor Scottish towns! Although I was the youngest by 30 years on this trip, I still managed to have a great time – because Scone Palace appeals to all ages, and is such an interesting place to visit, as I hope this op will show.

Perth has been described as being at the heart of Scotland in geographical terms, and Scone Palace at the heart of Scotland’s history. Scone is certainly associated with Scottish kings, since the very earliest times. The King Macbeth for example, supposedly bled to death on the floor of Scone, and there were many dramatic coronations here, including that of Robert the Bruce, and much later, of Charles II. Scone was of great importance for the crowning and anointing of kings, since the famous Stone of Scone, upon which kings were crowned, was kept here for nearly 500 years.

It’s not really certain where the stone originated, there are various explanations discussed in the exhibition devoted to the stone, including one that it originated from the holy land, and another that it came from Ireland. It will always be a mystery! However, the “Hammer of the Scots”, Edward I, removed what he believed to be the Stone of Scone in 1296, and it was kept in Westminster Abbey until it was returned in 1996. But the question which the exhibition addresses here, is whether Edward took the real Stone of Scone away with him or not. It is possible that the monks at the nearby abbey hid the real one underground, carving a replica for Edward, since they knew he planned to take it. In which case, the original stone could still be at Scone.

Even once the stone had gone, kings were still crowned here, until the abbey was destroyed after a speech by John Knox, as part of the Protestant Reformation. The kings were crowned on the Moot hill, where you can walk today. It’s a strange feeling knowing that those kings who made history were crowned on the very ground where you are standing. There’s not much to see on the Moot hill mind you, just a replica stone of Scone!

In 1604, David Murray, a nobleman who saved James VI (James I of England) from a conspiracy to kill him, was given Scone, and it is still kept by his descendants today. The first thing I did when I got here was to go and take a tour round the palace. I wasn’t too impressed with the level of information in each room, there were only a few lines detailing the most important exhibits. I would have liked a bit more detail, and so I recommend that you buy the guidebook if you really want to learn about the palace. It costs £3. There are however excellent guides in each room, who are informative without being patronising – a rare find! They answered questions fully, without waffling, and really did seem to know their stuff.

The first room I entered was the dining room. Unfortunately for me, the palace, which was renovated in the eighteenth century, was furnished mainly in 19th century style. If you know me, you’ll know I was hoping for some 16th century décor! However, the collections really were fantastic. In the dining room, which was set out as it had been for a visit by Queen Victoria, there were amazing ivory collection, and china from all over the world. This room can still be hired out today for functions, and I believe that tonight, for example, a party of golfers are having dinner here.

The Murray emblems feature prominently here too. Their coat of arms contains stars, and there are stars around the ceiling, and on the damask cloth on the table. If you like nineteenth century clocks, then you’ll also be in luck, because each room seems to have a fair few – I am guessing that the Murrays were great collectors of them.

The rooms that you go through are similar to those in many castles and stately homes – full of precious objects behind the usual red rope barrier. There are some particularly decorative tables and cabinets in a variety of styles which are well worth a look, as well as paintings of the various members of the family. Again, none go back to the time I am interested in! In one gallery there are also photos of the current Earl, and his family, and photos of them meeting royalty and various foreign dignitaries. Bit of showing off on the part of the family I feel, and it didn’t really add much to the exhibition. I can never understand why there is always so much focus on those who currently inhabit the castle (this family lives on the 1st and 2nd floors which are closed to visitors), surely many people who come to visit are more concerned with the past?

Another interesting, and very unusual, feature in the palace is the collection of Vernis Martin, which is a collection of papier mache items painted with decorative varnish. Looking at them you would never believe that they are made from papier mache – they look fabulous.

Finally, in the palace, you get to see an item which I was particularly interested in – a tapestry worked upon by Mary, Queen of Scots! I was thrilled to be so close to something that she had made, sad as that sounds.

Once outside the palace, there’s still loads more to do. There’s a maze which is shaped in the form of the Murray star, and made from a mixture of copper and green trees, to try to look like tartan. It’s only a small maze but fairly tricky, so make sure you allow enough time for it, and don’t go in there fifteen minutes before your bus is due to leave!

There is also a pinetum, which dates from the C19th. An important botanist (who I’ve never heard of), David Douglas, had an important role to play here in 1826, when he sent an original seed from America to plant. There are now hundreds of trees! If you’re a hayfever sufferer, make sure you take the appropriate medication with you – I was sneezing like mad! It’s very pleasant to walk around however, although some parts of the ground seemed a little boggy.

There are also a few animals round the edges of the estate, highland cows, donkeys, Jacob sheep, and the famous Scone peacocks which look gorgeous, but make the most appalling sounds! If you’re lucky you might find a peacock feather to take home, although my friend has assured me that they bring bad luck, and warned me not to collect any.

For children, there’s an adventure playground, which I had a quick glimpse at. It looked great fun, made of natural wood, with lots of slides, swings, and aerial slides, all in an area which is covered in soft bark. Wish I was a bit younger! There are also benches and picnic tables dotted around, so you don’t need to spend any money going into the café. Luckily the weather was nice today (well – nice as in not raining, and warm enough to sit outside with a jacket on) so I had lunch at one of these. The provision of benches throughout the grounds is also useful for people who are unable to walk very far.

I was impressed with the upkeep of the grounds, it certainly looks as if a lot of time and effort is put into their maintenance, and indeed, today, I saw a couple of groundsmen working away. It’s the ideal place for the whole family to visit because even if the children get bored looking round the palace, the grounds and playground should keep them occupied.

Finally, the all important prices. Because there’s quite a lot to see here, I feel that it is reasonably priced to get in - £5.90 for a regular adult admission, and £5.10 for a student or OAP. The discount for students and OAPs could be better though. We managed to get in for only £2.55 each, since we had a whole host of 2 for 1 tickets. Working at a museum has its advantages…

Overall then, I really enjoyed my trip here. It was a great combination of history, art and architecture, all set in picturesque grounds, and the experience was made even more enjoyable by the helpful staff. Try to make sure you come when it’s not raining, because it’s a long walk from the far side of the grounds to the carpark if there’s a heavy shower!
 

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