Is Glasgow home to the ‘real’ Stone of Destiny? West end pub The Arlington and its links to Scottish history

With Prince Charles now officially King Charles III, the Stone of Destiny will travel from Scotland to London for the coronation, but is it the real stone?

What is the Stone of Destiny?

Regarded as a sacred object, The Stone of Destiny – also known as the Stone of Scone – is an ancient symbol of Scotland’s monarchy and was used as part of the coronation of Scots kings the Scots kings for years.

It is thought that it was first used in Argyll for the coronations of the Scots kings of the Gaelic kingdom of Dalriada with it brought to Scone by Kenneth MacAlpin, the 36th King of Dalriada, around 841 AD for his Coronation.

In August 1296 it was taken as war booty by Edward I as he sought to finally assert his total authority over Scotland. The stone was taken to London and lay in Westminster Abbey for centuries until Christmas Day 1950, when four Glasgow University students stole it and returned it to Scotland.

It was found some three months later, 500 miles away, at the high altar of Arbroath Abbey. In 1996 it was placed at Edinburgh Castle, then in November 2020 Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced plans to relocate the stone to Perth.

It was last used in 1953 for the crowning of Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey, where it became part of the Coronation Chair, although some doubt if it is actually the true Stone of Destiny.

Is the real Stone of Destiny in Glasgow?

According to pub legend, the real Stone of Destiny resides in the historic bar, The Arlington which has been operating since 1860, as this was where the students who stole it hid it.

The story goes that the Stone of Destiny that was returned was a replica that had been fashioned by the students.

The Arlington bar, which is located on Woodlands Road, displays the ‘real’ Stone of Destiny prominently in a glass case.

In 2021 The Arlington was sold to a new owner, and has been visited by famous faces such as Billy Connolly, Frankie Miller and punk band, The Clash.

Owner David Low said: “In this age of corporately-owned theme bars and faceless chains, The Arlington is a rarity - a traditional, community pub for real people and, with the exception of perhaps a few cosmetic touches, I intend to leave it as it is.”