See behind the scenes as the Crown Room gets a makeover

Since the Crown Room closed its vault doors in January, significant refurbishment has been underway to enhance the display of the Honours. Elements of the Victorian design are being restored, including the room’s oak panelling. New oak shields have been carved by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) joiners to return these features to the original, simpler form that would have decorated the display at that time.  

A new, bespoke display case for the Honours is also being installed. This has been designed to continue to keep these priceless objects physically secure, environmentally stable and looking their best for the 2m visitors who flock to the site each year.  

The project has also provided a historic opportunity for a new generation of craftspeople to hone their skills. John Lamb, Third Year Apprentice Joiner at HES, has been working on the oak panelling conservation and creation of the new shields, while Mackenzie Francis, Second Year Apprentice Painter, has been painting the doors of the Crown Room. 

Speaking about his involvement in the project, John said:

“I’ve been able to work across all joinery aspects of the Crown Room refurbishment, which has been a really great opportunity. I’ve learned to use different router techniques while working on the new shields, and I’ve learned so much already working with the other joiners.” 

Mackenzie added:

“We’ve been using a metal paint to paint the doors of the Crown Room a new colour. Working on this project has given me the opportunity to find out more about different types of paint, which is a good skill to learn. It’s a big honour to work in the Crown Room, it’s not every day that you get the opportunity to do something like this.” 

The redevelopment of the Crown Room is the latest chapter in the unfolding story of the Honours of Scotland, Britain’s oldest crown jewels and among the oldest in Europe. They have mainly been housed in the Crown Room at Edinburgh Castle since its completion in 1617. The room is a purpose-built secure vault designed specially to hold these treasures, with barrel-vaulting and thickened walls providing added security. 

Kathy Richmond, Head of Collections & Applied Conservation at HES, said:

“The Honours of Scotland are objects of immense significance and a key highlight of a visit to Edinburgh Castle. With this redevelopment we’re taking inspiration from the past, and also want these objects to benefit from modern, high-quality design that meets the highest industry standards. The new display case will continue to ensure the long-term security and stability of the Honours, while creating an atmospheric and memorable experience for visitors.  

“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the Crown Room later this spring to see the Honours once again in all their glory.” 

The Crown Room redevelopment is scheduled to be completed in April 2026. Information regarding the reopening of the Crown Room to visitors will be published on the Edinburgh Castle website. 

About the Honours of Scotland 

The Honours of Scotland, comprising the Crown of Scotland, the Sceptre, and the Sword of State, are the oldest Crown jewels in Britain.  

Their centrepiece is the Crown of Scotland, crafted of gold and silver and laden with 94 pearls and 43 gemstones including diamonds, garnets and amethysts. James V had the Crown made in 1540, likely in part from the earlier Scottish Crown which had been damaged and first wore it at the coronation of Mary of Guise that same year.  

The silver-gilt Sceptre is thought to be late medieval. This fine ceremonial staff is finely engraved with decorations including thistles, grotesques, fleurs-de-lis and oak leaves. Stylised dolphins and figures depicting St Andrew, St James and the Virgin Mary are surrounded by stylised dolphins. A large globe of polished rock crystal sits atop this. On top of the crystal globe is a gold orb, capped with a single large pearl.  

The Sword of State was gifted to James IV by Pope Julius II in 1507 and represents an exceptionally high quality of decoration. The arms of Pope Julius were used as the theme for the Sword handle design, with oak trees and acorns symbolising the risen Christ and dolphins signifying Christ’s Church. The blade of the Sword is in a very fragile condition and was retired from use some years ago with consent of the monarch.  

Woven from silk and gold thread, the Sword Belt is fastened with an enormous silver-gilt buckle. Oak trees, leaves and acorn motifs are repeated along its length. In 1660, when the Honours came back to Edinburgh Castle after years in hiding in Aberdeenshire, the Belt did not return with them. Instead, it was rediscovered by Sir David Ogilvy in 1790, having been built into a garden wall of Barras Castle, near Inverurie, Aberdeenshire.  

The Sword’s Scabbard is made of wood, covered in dark red velvet and decorated with silver-gilt designs. It is finely decorated with enamel panels displaying the Papal arms, and adorned with acorns, oak leaves, dolphins and grotesque masks. 

The Crown Room is a purpose-built secure vault. Ordered by James VI and I, it was completed in 1617 for his ‘Hamecoming’ visit to Scotland. Designed specially to hold these priceless items, barrel-vaulting and thickened walls provided added security and fireproofing.   

With only a few notable exceptions, the room has securely housed the Honours ever since, including 1707-1818 when the Honours were locked away after the Act of Union between Scotland and England. They were rediscovered when Sir Walter Scott, the author, led a delegation to locate them over 100 years later. The Honours first went on public display just over a year later. The Crown Room has been refurbished, and the display updated several times since.   

About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)  

For further information, please contact:

Claire Mullaney
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
07721 959 962
communications@hes.scot