Attacker in a kilt, wearing charges, following smash of Scotland's Stone of Destiny display case
In a bizarre incident that has sent shockwaves through Scotland, a 35-year-old man from Sydney, Australia, named Arnaud Harixcalde Logan, has been charged with malicious mischief for allegedly damaging the Stone of Destiny at Perth Museum in central Scotland.
The incident occurred on Saturday, July 12, 2025, when police were called to the museum following reports of a disturbance involving a kilt-wearing man attempting to smash the glass case containing the Stone of Destiny. The stone, also known as the Stone of Scone (Skoon), is a 335-pound sandstone block of great historical and symbolic significance to Scotland.
Logan was ordered detained until a hearing next week and wasn't asked to enter a plea. He appeared at Perth Sheriff Court on Monday to face the charge, which is similar to vandalism.
The Stone of Destiny has a contentious history, having been seized by England’s King Edward I in the 13th century and returned to Scotland in 1996, with an agreement that it would return to London for future coronation ceremonies. The stone has been used in coronations at Westminster Abbey, first for English and then for British monarchs.
The Perth Museum has a range of 24/7 security measures in place to protect the Stone of Destiny, but the alleged incident has highlighted the sensitivity and importance of the object. Despite the incident, Culture Perth and Kinross, which oversees the museum, stated that the Stone of Destiny wasn't damaged in the incident.
The English and Scottish crowns were united under one monarch in the 17th century. The stone was expected to return to England for use in future coronations. However, its return is currently uncertain following the alleged incident.
The Stone of Destiny holds deep national and cultural significance for Scotland, having been at the center of historical disputes between Scotland and England. Attacks or vandalism involving the stone are rare but attract significant attention due to its symbolic value as a representation of Scottish nationhood. Authorities have not released a motive for Logan’s alleged actions, nor any additional details about the extent of the damage or his intentions.
| Name | Age | Nationality | Charge | Alleged Incident | Court Appearance | |---------------------------|-----|-------------|-----------------------|---------------------------------------------------|----------------------------| | Arnaud Harixcalde Logan | 35 | Australian | Malicious Mischief | Smashing glass case holding Stone of Destiny | Perth Sheriff Court (14/7) |
The Stone of Destiny was returned to Scotland in 1996 after being held in Westminster Abbey for over 700 years and is currently on display at the newly renovated Perth Museum. The stone was used in the crowning ceremonies of medieval Scottish monarchs at Scone Abbey near Perth. The incident at Perth Museum is a stark reminder of the importance of preserving historical artifacts and the potential consequences of damaging them.
The malicious act against the Stone of Destiny, a significant symbol of Scottish culture housed at the Perth Museum, has sparked concern in both general news and politics, not just in the UK but globally. The incident, involving an Australian national named Arnaud Harixcalde Logan, who was charged with malicious mischief, could potentially disrupt future coronation ceremonies in England, as the stone has been used in such events for centuries.
