In what has been billed as one of the most important historical events since the return of the Stone of Scone, the prayer book belonging to Mary Queen of Scots was brought back home to Scotland for the first time in over four hundred years.
The 'Book of Hours', often seen depicted in portraits of the Queen and housed at Stonyhurst College in Lancashire, was also reunited with an ornate, veneered mother of pearl crucifix, which makes up part of the collections at Abbotsford, the Borders home of Sir Walter Scott.
Both artefacts are believed to have been held by Mary Stuart as she went to her execution at Fotheringay Castle in February 1587.
The 'Book of Hours' and the crucifix were on display at Loretto School in Musselburgh, where pupils were given the opportunity to see the historical treasures they had been studying, as part of their course work on the life and times of Mary Queen of Scots.
A talk by Jan Graffius, curator of Stonyhurst College, was given in the evening at an event attended by invited guests and members of the public, held as part of a new lecture series at Loretto School.
Jonathan Hewat, director of External Affairs at Loretto School said, 'It is a real honour to be part of such a significant occasion which has been much anticipated.
"It is poignant that the 'Book of Hours' should be returned to Loretto School which lies close to the site of the Battle of Carberry Hill. It was there, on 15 June 1567 that Mary surrendered to the Confederate Lords, bringing an end to her reign as Queen of Scots and paving the way for her eventual flight to England where she would meet her death on the orders of her cousin, Queen Elizabeth."
Jan Graffius said: "The prayer book is an important piece of history and an object which is close to the hearts of many for historical, religious and patriotic reasons.
"To reunite the 'Book of Hours' with the crucifix and to bring it back to Scotland for the first time in hundreds of years will be a significant moment in history and one I am delighted to play a part in."
Jason Dyer, chief executive of The Abbotsford Trust said; "The crucifix reputed to have belonged to Mary Queen of Scots is just one of hundreds of historically significant objects on display at Abbotsford. Sir Walter Scott was a great collector of items that he considered significant to the cultural heritage of Scotland. The multi-million pound regeneration project we are currently undertaking will help to preserve objects such as this, which are vital in helping current and future generations understand the history and heritage of the Scottish nation."