AN iconic pub which claims to be the “home of the Stone of Destiny” has been sold.
The Arlington, on Woodlands Road in Glasgow, was sold for an undisclosed sum to operator Peter di Ciaccio, who also owns Dram on the same road.
The pub, which first opened in 1860, is one of the city’s oldest surviving pubs and is known for being a favoured haunt of students and academics from neighbouring Glasgow University and a hangout for journalists, artists and writers.
The Arlington also claims to have been home to the Stone of Destiny since 1950, when a group of students – regulars at the pub – repossessed the historic artefact from Westminster Abbey and allegedly hid it in the pub.
The Stone of Destiny was for many centuries the ancient crowning stone of Scottish kings. It was taken from Scone by Edward I of England during the Wars of Independence then installed in Westminster Abbey where it was appropriated into English, and later British, coronations.
According to pub legend, the stone now on display at Perth Museum (pictured above) is a “crude replica” fashioned by the students, which they handed over to police when they were later apprehended.
The sale of the pub includes the alleged Stone of Destiny, which will continue to be displayed prominently in a glass case in the bar.
Famous customers over the years have included Billy Connolly, Frankie Miller and The Clash.
Commenting, The Arlington’s previous owner David Low said: “I’ve always had an interest in Glasgow’s iconic bars, of which The Arlington is a fine example, but the time was right to move on and I’m delighted to pass on ownership to a seasoned operator who I’m sure will retain its distinctive character over the years ahead.”
