Students who damaged Stone of Destiny cabinet avoid jail over poverty protest

Two activists, Jamie Priest, 26, and Catriona Roberts, 22, have been spared jail time after damaging a glass cabinet containing the Crown of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny during a protest against food poverty at Edinburgh Castle. The protestors, associated with campaign group This is Rigged, claimed responsibility for the incident on November 15 last year. Recently, at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, the pair pleaded guilty to maliciously causing damage and were acquitted of breaching the peace. They were sentenced to unpaid work; Priest received 120 hours and Roberts 180 hours.

During the protest, a tour guide leading a group through the castle heard someone shout, “This is a peaceful protest,” as the activists targeted the cabinet housing the historic relics. This is Rigged stated, “Food is a human right. Hunger is a political choice,” in response to their actions. The court heard that nearly £3,000 worth of damage was caused to the protective glass housing the relics. Roberts and another activist were seen using a pinch hammer and a chisel to damage the cabinet, with Roberts shouting phrases related to food insecurity and poverty.

Roberts, a student at Strathclyde University, mentioned that her actions were not driven by malice towards the historical artefacts and highlighted the issue of food insecurity in Scotland. Priest’s solicitor explained that while the actions may have crossed into criminality, they aimed to bring attention to the cost-of-living crisis and the affordability of essential items like baby products. Priest expressed willingness to engage in similar protest methods but acknowledged the need for peaceful and lawful means.

Sheriff Alistair Noble, during sentencing, acknowledged the defendants’ motivations but emphasised that their actions were still criminal. The pair were ordered to carry out unpaid work as a consequence of their actions. The defendants’ protest sheds light on the ongoing issue of food poverty and the struggle faced by many families in Scotland.

The protest carried out by Priest and Roberts draws attention to the challenges faced by individuals experiencing food poverty in Scotland. While their methods were deemed criminal by the court, the activists’ intentions to highlight social issues such as food insecurity are important. The protest opens up discussions on the need for greater support for those facing financial difficulties and highlights the role of activism in advocating for change.