New Stones of Destiny Should Remain in Scotland

12.00.00pm GMT Sun 10th Jan 2010

Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh South Mike Pringle has condemned the decision to relocate core samples from Edinburgh South's British Geological Survey Core Store to a base in England.

The cores are borehole rock samples and are of great geological significance.

The British Geological Survey is consolidating all core samples to Nottingham, which will be a massive blow to Scottish universities who have enjoyed regular access to the samples.

Commenting, Mr Pringle said:

"I am appealing to the BGS to reconsider their decision. These core samples were taken from Scottish soil and form a unique collection of data to inform research and exploration on the UK Continental Shelf.

"Centralising core samples like this will be a real blow to experts, universities and geological enthusiasts in Scotland.

"Thanks in part to the proximity of the core sample store, Heriot-Watt University has established a global reputation for geoscience, attracting academics, students and industry representatives from across the world. It is also very useful to have a core sample store within reasonable proximity of the UK's oil and gas centre, Aberdeen.

"I also understand that there has been a worrying lack of consultation with the oil industry and academics about the decision to move this facility.

"Moving this material, described as the 'crown jewels' of geographical data, away from our researchers would be madness when we're pushing for the North Sea to lead global developments in carbon capture. The Stone of Destiny might have returned to Scotland but it would be shameful to let these stones slip away instead."