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Daily Record
20-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Offer made on historic Perthshire castle with royal connections
Estate agents confirm that an offer has been made for Methven Castle which was recently put on the market. An offer has been made on a Perthshire castle which was once a royal residence. Methven Castle, five miles west of Perth, was put on the market earlier this year at offers over £1million. Queen Dowager of Scotland Margaret Tudor (1489-1541) had lived in the castle and died there. The sale of the A-listed property, within 1.16 acres of grounds, is being conducted by estate agents Rettie. A Rettie spokesperson said this week: 'I can confirm that Methven Castle is under offer. We cannot release the price.' Margaret Tudor had been Queen of Scotland from 1503 until 1513 by marriage to James IV. She received Methven Castle as part of a marriage gift. Following the death of James IV at the Battle of Flodden in 1513 she became Queen Dowager. She lived at Methven Castle after her third marriage to the first Lord Methven Henry Stewart and she died there in October 1541. The current building, which has distinctive turreted towers, dates from 1664 and was built by John Mylne. Rettie said earlier this year: 'The ancestral home of Margaret Tudor, Methven Castle is an A-Listed and sympathetically restored former royal castle, presenting a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of Scotland's late medieval history, wherein a wealth of atmospheric accommodation allows for most comfortable modern living, in a dramatic period setting.' The castle, which has four floors, includes a James IV Hall and a Minstrel's Gallery as well as a dining room, drawing room, wine cellar, games room and five bedrooms. Methven Castle also has associations with William Wallace and Robert the Bruce who fought skirmishes in nearby Methven Wood during the Wars of Independence. Historic Environment Scotland's listed buildings portal states that the castle set within a mainly wooded and parkland designed landscape has 'an outstanding history and [is] reputed to contain one of the oldest pinetums (an arboretum of coniferous trees) in Scotland'. HES also point out: 'Despite the many changes of ownership at Methven, historical accounts go back to the 14th century and its association with several historic personalities including Wallace, Queen Margaret and Lord Methven gives it outstanding historical value.'
Daily Record
17-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
The iconic Scottish castle with history linked to Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots
The castle undergoing a redevelopment is expected to reopen later this year An iconic castle with links to two of Scotland's most famous monarchs is set to open its doors to the public again this year. However, the multi-million pound redevelopment has been delayed. The long-awaited opening of Inverness Castle as a new £30million visitor attraction has been pushed back from the planned re-opening this summer, with completion now expected later this year. The redevelopment project began in 2022 and involves transforming the former sheriff court and prison into the Inverness Castle Experience, a flagship tourism initiative led by Highland Council and High Life Highland. A spokesperson for the project said the scheme was 'a complex and specialised project', with the main construction phase still ongoing but nearing completion. Once open, the new attraction will take visitors on an interactive journey through the history, myths and landscapes of the Highlands. A virtual guide in the form of a dog named Cuillin will lead younger guests through the experience. A bistro and bar will also be part of the new offering. Earlier this year, a recruitment day was held to showcase the range of jobs being created as part of the project, which is supported by the £315million Inverness and Highland City Region Deal. In February, Highlands and Islands Enterprise increased its contribution by £863,000, bringing its total investment to £2.86million. Perched on Castle Hill overlooking the River Ness, Inverness Castle comprises two castellated buildings designed by renowned architect William Burn. The courthouse dates back to the 1830s, while the adjoining prison wing was completed in the 1840s. But the site's history stretches far beyond the Victorian era. A fortification has stood on Castle Hill since at least the 11th century, when King David I established a timber and earth castle. It replaced a stronghold previously razed by his father, Malcolm III, who defeated rival Macbeth. Over time, the site witnessed turbulent chapters involving Robert the Bruce, James I, Mary, Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie. During the Wars of Independence, Robert the Bruce destroyed an earlier stone-built castle in 1308 to stop English forces using it. James I later arrested and imprisoned rebellious Highland chiefs here in 1428, prompting years of retaliatory attacks from the Lords of the Isles. In 1562, Mary, Queen of Scots, was denied entry to the castle by George Gordon, Earl of Huntly. After a three-day siege by her supporters, the keeper Alexander Gordon was captured and hanged. The castle changed hands repeatedly in the 17th century, occupied at various times by Royalists, Covenanters, and British government troops. Following the 1746 defeat at Culloden, Bonnie Prince Charlie ordered the castle destroyed. According to legend, a French soldier triggered the explosion, and was blown across the river, while his poodle survived. The site lay derelict until the 19th century, when the present courthouse and prison were constructed. It later became the seat of Inverness-shire Constabulary and remained in use until the courts service relocated in 2020. The grounds still contain the original medieval well, and the striking statue of Highland heroine Flora MacDonald, completed in 1896 by local sculptor Andrew Davidson, still looks out across the River Ness.
Edinburgh Live
15-07-2025
- Edinburgh Live
Australian man in court after Stone of Destiny glass 'broken' at Scottish museum
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Get the latest Edinburgh Live breaking news on WhatsApp A man arrested for allegedly damaging the glass which protects the Stone of Destiny has been remanded in custody. Perth Museum was evacuated amid claims a man in a kilt tried to smash through a display case that houses the stone - which used to be displayed in Edinburgh Castle - on Saturday, July 12, reports the Daily Record. A 35-year-old man was detained by police and taken in to custody. Arnaud Harixcalde Logan appeared at Perth Sheriff Court on Monday, July 14. Logan faced a single charge of malicious mischief - intentionally damaging property - during the private hearing. The 35-year-old, whose address was given on court papers as Sydney, Australia, made no plea to the charge. He was remanded in custody and the case against him was continued for prosecutors to investigate further. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox No future court dates have been set, but he is expected to appear in the dock again next week in connection with the case. Visitors to the attraction said the alleged incident was "like something out of a historical drama or an action film". Museum tours were brought to an end as the building was evacuated and then stormed by police officers. Perth Museum said the historic stone, used in the coronation of Scottish kings for hundreds of years, was not damaged. Police Scotland also confirmed nobody was injured in the incident. Tourist Elle Alvarez, visiting Scotland from the Philippines, posted a video of the incident on Facebook. She said: "It's honestly surreal, like something out of a historical drama or an action film. "Unfortunately, we weren't able to finish our tour because of the incident. "Huge credit to the staff at Perth Museum for handling the situation with such calm and professionalism, making sure all visitors were safe and looked after." The 150kg object, also known as the Stone of Scone, was taken from Scotland during the Wars of Independence. It was lodged in King Edward's carved-oak coronation throne at Westminster Abbey where it remained for 700 years. Over Christmas in 1950, four Glasgow University students notoriously managed to steal the stone from the Abbey and temporarily return it to Scotland. The stone returned for permanent display in Scotland in 1996 at Edinburgh Castle, before being moved to its current home in Perth last year, 2024. A spokesperson for Culture Perth and Kinross said: "We can confirm there was an incident at Perth Museum where a man was arrested. "Perth Museum was evacuated as a precaution and there was no damage to any artefacts on display. We are assisting Police Scotland with their inquiries."
The National
14-07-2025
- The National
Man charged over Stone of Destiny incident at Perth Museum
Visitors said a man in a kilt attempted to smash through the display case on Saturday, July 12, around 2pm in Perth Museum. The museum was evacuated and a 35-year-old was later arrested and charged in connection. No injuries were reported and Perth Museum said the stone, which was used in the coronation of Scottish kings for centuries, was not damaged in the incident. READ MORE: Award-winning Scottish hotel on NC500 up for sale for £1.2 million A tourist visiting from the Philippines, Elle Alvarez, posted a video of the incident on Facebook, writing: 'An absolutely epic moment is unfolding right before our eyes here at the Perth Museum!' Alvarez said the man allegedly claimed to be the 'chief of his clan' and that he has 'a right to the throne'. Police reportedly responded quickly to the incident, with visitors evacuated and the area 'closed off' as a result. Alvarez said: 'This ancient stone holds deep significance for Scotland; it's a symbol of power, history, and identity. 'And today, its story grew even more dramatic when a man [in] his kilt attempted to smash the glass in an apparent bid to seize it.' The Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone, was taken from Scotland during the Wars of Independence before being kept in Westminster Abbey. On Christmas Day, 1950, four Glasgow University students managed to steal the stone and temporarily return it to Scotland. It was officially returned in 1996, where it resided in Edinburgh Castle before being transferred to Perth Museum in 2024. READ MORE: Police to breathalyse passengers arriving at Scottish airport in pilot scheme In a 2023 incident, activists from This is Rigged smashed the stone's protective glass cabinet and sprayed 'Is Treasa Tuath Na Tighearna' – Gaelic for 'The People Are Mightier Than A Lord' – on the glass, leading to the closure of Edinburgh Castle for the remainder of the day. A spokesperson for Culture Perth and Kinross said: 'We can confirm there was an incident at Perth Museum on Saturday 12 July 2025, where a man was arrested. 'Perth Museum was evacuated as a precaution and there was no damage to any artefacts on display. We are assisting Police Scotland with their enquiries so it would be inappropriate to comment further.'
Daily Record
14-07-2025
- Daily Record
Australian man in court after Stone of Destiny glass broken at Scots museum
Arnaud Harixcalde Logan appeared at Perth Sheriff Court on Monday, July 14. A man arrested for allegedly damaging the glass which protects the Stone of Destiny has been remanded in custody. The building had been evacuated amid claims a man in a kilt tried to smash through a display case on Saturday, July 12. A 35-year-old man was detained by police and taken in to custody. Arnaud Harixcalde Logan appeared at Perth Sheriff Court on Monday, July 14. Harixcalde Logan faced a single charge of malicious mischief - intentionally damaging property - during the private hearing. The 35-year-old, whose address was given on court papers as Sydney, Australia, made no plea to the charge. He was remanded in custody and the case against him was continued for prosecutors to investigate further. No future court dates have been set, but he is expected to appear in the dock again next week in connection with the case. Visitors to the attraction said the alleged incident was "like something out of a historical drama or an action film". Museum tours were brought to an end as the building was evacuated and then stormed by police officers. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Perth Museum said the historic stone, used in the coronation of Scottish kings for hundreds of years, was not damaged. Police Scotland also confirmed nobody was injured in the incident. Tourist Elle Alvarez, visiting Scotland from the Philippines, posted a video of the incident on Facebook. She said: "It's honestly surreal, like something out of a historical drama or an action film. "Unfortunately, we weren't able to finish our tour because of the incident. "Huge credit to the staff at Perth Museum for handling the situation with such calm and professionalism, making sure all visitors were safe and looked after." The 150kg object, also known as the Stone of Scone, was taken from Scotland during the Wars of Independence. It was lodged in King Edward's carved-oak coronation throne at Westminster Abbey where it remained for 700 years. Over Christmas in 1950, four Glasgow University students notoriously managed to steal the stone from the Abbey and temporarily return it to Scotland. The stone returned for permanent display in Scotland in 1996 at Edinburgh Castle, before being moved to its current home in Perth last year, 2024. A spokesperson for Culture Perth and Kinross said: "We can confirm there was an incident at Perth Museum where a man was arrested. "Perth Museum was evacuated as a precaution and there was no damage to any artefacts on display. We are assisting Police Scotland with their inquiries."
