A Scot against destiny?
Elgin was Scottish. Scotland can help deliver justice.
The notion of heritage is one that transcends cultures – its importance reaches everyone’s heart. The Scots have a history rich in fights for their identity and rights. And the Scottish identity is inherently linked to Scotland’s history and heritage: buildings, objects, and places. What would Edinburgh be without Calton Hill, the Scott Monument or Edinburgh Castle? What does the Wallace Monument resonate in the Scots’ hearts?
![A partial reconstruction of the Parthenon at the top of Calton Hill in Edinburgh, Scotland. [Image source: Wikipedia]](https://www.acropolisofathens.gr/aoa/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Tourists_posing_at_the_National_Monument_of_Scotland-300x174.jpg)
A partial reconstruction of the Parthenon on Calton Hill in Edinburgh, Scotland. [Image source: Wikipedia]
The Parthenon sculptures are connected with the Greek identity. They are part of the history and culture of Athens and Greece. It was a Scotsman, Thomas Bruce the 7th Earl of Elgin, commonly known as Elgin, who, without any authorisation, removed a large piece of Greek heritage from Ottoman-occupied Athens in the 19th century. His intention was to decorate his mansion in Scotland with pieces of the Acropolis, some of which may still be in Broomhall House in Fife (recommended article: “Scotland’s role in an Elgin Marbles mystery…“). However, the issue extends beyond the fragments that might still be in Scotland. Today, the British authorities continue to refuse to return to Athens the Acropolis sculptures – that is, the sculptures and architectural members that Elgin took from the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, and the temple of Athena Nike, and which are currently kept in the British Museum in London. How important is this ongoing issue to the Greeks? How do modern Scots relate to it? The Stone of Scone had been removed and kept in England but eventually returned to the Scots after centuries of injustice. Why did the Scots chose to construct a Parthenon overlooking their capital? What values is the monument on Calton Hill meant to capture and inspire?
![The Stone of Scone embedded in the Coronation Chair (anonymous engraver, 1855). The Stone of Scone, used by the Scots for the coronation of Scottish monarchs, was taken by the English and kept in London. Centuries later, the English returned it to the Scots, putting a piece of Scottish heritage back to its rightful place. [Image source: Wikipedia]](https://www.acropolisofathens.gr/aoa/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Coronation_Chair_and_Stone_of_Scone._Anonymous_Engraver._Published_in_A_History_of_England_1855-218x300.jpg "The Stone of Scone")
The Stone of Scone embedded in the Coronation Chair (anonymous engraver, 1855). The Stone of Scone, used by the Scots for the coronation of Scottish monarchs, was taken by the English and kept in London. Centuries later, the English returned it to the Scots, putting a piece of Scottish heritage back to its rightful place. [Image source: Wikipedia]
The Acropolis sculptures are to the Greeks what the Stone of Scone is to the Scots. It is this strong historical, symbolic, emotional link between both countries and heritage, coordinates in time and space, which help us define our life experience and sense of self. To the Scots, the Greeks, and every citizen of the world, it is of essence to always give our best shot, to stand for what we see as correct, respecting and supporting every person for their present, future – and goodwill past. People, values, history, and stories; it is all about being together to make great things happen. History is the timeline. Heritage is the catalyst. We all act on our will for what feels right. The Stone of Scone is also called the Stone of Destiny…
To the Scots – when it comes to the return of the Acropolis sculptures to Athens, whose destiny do you see in them? Your act of will is awaited in a faraway land; in support and for our common values.
