Scone Palace £10m transformation plans recommended for approval

Perth and Kinross Council planners have advised councillors to back the estate’s ambitious proposals when they meet next Wednesday. The scheme would see the creation of a new visitor centre, Pictish-themed adventure playpark and a redesigned entrance route via the new Cross Tay Link Road.

If approved, the existing access from the A93 would close to general traffic, with visitors instead arriving through a newly constructed approach shared with Perth Racecourse.

The plans are part of a long-term vision to revitalise Scone Palace – the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings – following the return of the Stone of Destiny to nearby Perth Museum earlier this year. According to the Palace, the renewed cultural spotlight has created major opportunities to attract new audiences and strengthen local tourism links.

A disused B-listed stable block would be converted into a modern visitor hub, featuring a café, shop and upgraded ticket office. The development would also introduce a 294-space car park to the north of the estate, new cycling and pedestrian links from Stormontfield Road, and a “solar meadow” of around 2,000 panels to support green energy generation.

The proposal, submitted by Stormont Trading LP, also includes EV charging points, air-source heat pumps and an innovative reed and willow wastewater system.

Viscount Stormont, whose family have been custodians of Scone Palace for 400 years, described the project as a “major opportunity to evolve and enhance the visitor attraction.”

He said: “The proposals will provide jobs locally, and they will enable renewed and lasting engagement with the local community. It represents a positive step-change in our offering.”

The £10 million investment follows extensive public consultation in 2022 and 2023, with strong local interest in the future of the historic landmark.

Councillors on the planning committee will consider the recommendation when they meet at 9.30am on Wednesday. If approved, work on the transformation could begin in the coming months.