A historic stone put in place in Aberdeen in the 18th century has been unearthed in time for a celebration of the city’s links to Robert the Bruce.
Between 1790 and 1810, dozens of stones were installed to mark the Freedom Lands of Aberdeen which were granted to the people by the legendary king of Scots.
To indicate the boundary, 67 rocks were laid from the mouth of the River Dee to the mouth of the River Don.
But the 49th stone was feared lost until recently, when a group of volunteers made it their mission to locate it.
Colin Johnston, 70, was one of those involved and said it took a “fair bit of puff and pech” to haul the 6ft rock from its precarious position on an embankment near Scatterburn.
Lord Provost, Barney Crockett, said the piece of local history might now go on display in a public park.
He said: “It’s fantastic that people were so keen to pitch in and rescue a part of Aberdeen history.
“It was an inspiring effort from the volunteers and we are now looking to talk with the people at Duthie Park to perhaps install it there.”
Mr Johnston added: “It’s a period of Scottish and Aberdonian history that has been, and is always likely to be, shrouded in myths and legends and half-truths.”
The city council is now preparing a celebration of the 700th anniversary of the stocket charter being signed by Robert the Bruce.
Bruce signed the scroll as a reward to the Granite City for sheltering him as an outlaw during his wars with the English, and the moment has been immortalised in a statue outside Marischal College.
Perhaps the most lasting legacy of the charter is the city’s Common Good Fund, which is used for a number of charitable causes every year.
The fund was out towards the creation of Marischal College and helped citizens during the 1640 plague.
Other recognised Aberdeen institutions also benefitted from the funds, and cash was given to the Aberdeen Art Gallery, the Central Library, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and the purchase of Hazlehead Park.
The anniversary will be marked with a series of events in December.
