Sceptre, Honours of Scotland

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The Sceptre is thought to have been a gift to James IV from Pope Alexander VI in 1494. It is a ceremonial staff that forms part of the Honours of Scotland, on display at Edinburgh Castle

The Sceptre is an example of High Renaissance Italian craftsmanship. In 1536 it was remodelled by Edinburgh goldsmith Adam Leys, who also added to its length. It has been present at many of the major royal ceremonial events over the past five centuries.

But the Honours of Scotland have also had a turbulent time. They were removed from Edinburgh Castle in 1650 to keep them from Oliver Cromwell’s army. Only with the restoration of Charles II to the throne in 1660 could they be returned. In 1707, following the Act of Union between England and Scotland, they were locked in a chest and sealed away. It was only in 1818 that Sir Walter Scott, the famous novelist, rediscovered the Honours.

The Sceptre is on loan from the Commissioners for the Keeping of the Regalia.

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