cottish Secretary Alister Jack is “standing guard” over the Stone of Destiny in London to verify “nationalists don’t steal it again”, Tories have been informed.

The UK Government minister addressed the Scottish Conservatives’ convention through video, with junior Scotland Office minister John Lamont showing on stage to clarify why his boss couldn't be there.

He informed delegates on the convention that Mr Jack had been “unavoidably detained in London, standing guard over the Stone of Scone ahead of its central role in the King’s coronation next week”.

The Stone of Destiny, also referred to as the Stone of Scone, was transported from its common residence in Edinburgh Castle to London earlier this week, the place it is going to be used within the coronation of the King subsequent weekend.

Alister is primarily ensuring that Nationalists do not steal it once more

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The stone, which weighs 125kg, will probably be positioned within the Coronation Chair for the enthronement, earlier than being returned to Scotland afterwards.

Mr Lamont mentioned: “Alister is primarily making sure that nationalists don’t steal it again.

“But he is also making absolutely certain that the stone does come back to Scotland.”

Mr Jack, in the meantime, mentioned he couldn't be in Glasgow for the Scottish Conservatives’ convention as a result of he had “an important job elsewhere helping to prepare for the coronation of His Majesty the King”.

In a video handle he informed the convention: “I hope you’ll agree that as excuses go, that one passes muster.”

Mr Jack went on to make use of his speech to assault the SNP, claiming Scotland’s ruling social gathering “are not a serious party of government, they are simply a campaign organisation for independence”.

He mentioned the SNP-Green administration at Holyrood “isn’t just misguided, it is totally incompetent”.

He mentioned that with nationalists in energy “it sometimes feels like devolution in general is not easy”.

Mr Jack added: “It’s my job to work with these people. And believe me, it is not always easy.”

Highlighting the “fundamental political differences” between the 2 governments, Mr Jack mentioned: “We have a UK Government that is committed to devolution, that believes in our system of two governments, and wants to strengthen Scotland’s place at the heart of the UK.”

But he added: “We have a nationalist SNP-Green Scottish Government that opposes devolution, wants to end it and tear Scotland out of the UK.”

All in all, direct UK Government funding in Scotland now stands at £2.3 billion

He informed the convention: “Those who would destroy devolution cannot also pose as the defenders of devolution and people in Scotland are seeing straight through it.”

Most Scots wish to see the 2 governments “working together on the issues they really care about”, Mr Jack mentioned.

But he mentioned “the SNP-Green coalition’s opposition to, and abuse of, devolution acts like a drag anchor on Scotland’s potential”.

In distinction he claimed the UK Government was “delivering for communities on the ground right now”, including that: “All in all, direct UK Government investment in Scotland now stands at £2.3 billion.”

He accused the SNP and Greens of utilizing “their position in government not to focus on people’s priorities, but to promote separatism”.

Mr Jack mentioned: “They use their position to manufacture phoney grievances as part of their endless campaign to tear Scotland out of the UK”

He known as Scottish Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Secretary Angus Robertson “Air Miles Angus” for his journeys abroad and claimed he used these visits to advertise Scottish independence with overseas governments and dignitaries.

“It is simply not acceptable for Scottish Government ministers to abuse the support they receive from the Foreign Office during overseas visits,” Mr Jack mentioned.

“The Foreign Office has and always will support the Scottish Government to promote Scotland abroad.

“But nationalist ministers should not expect the Foreign Office to facilitate high-level meetings overseas so they can undermine UK Government policy and promote their independence campaign.”

SNP Westminster deputy chief Mhairi Black commented: “The Tories have no mandate in Scotland.

“Instead of lecturing others, Alister Jack should be apologising for his Tory Government’s appalling record of trashing the UK economy – and making millions of Scots poorer by imposing a devastating hard Brexit and Tory cost-of-living crisis.

“With Scottish devolution and household incomes under sustained attack from Westminster, the SNP is the only party offering a real alternative to the Tories.”