One of Glasgow’s oldest pubs, The Arlington, has recently been sold by its owner, David Low, to Peter Di Ciacca. The pub, located on Woodlands Road since 1860, has been a favorite spot for students and academics from the nearby University of Glasgow. Notably, it has also been visited by famous personalities such as Billy Connolly, Frankie Miller, and The Clash.
David Low, who has owned The Arlington for the past three years, expressed his fondness for Glasgow’s iconic bars, including The Arlington. He mentioned that while it was time for him to move on, he was pleased to hand over ownership to an experienced operator who would maintain the pub’s unique character in the years to come.
Interestingly, The Arlington claims to house the Stone of Destiny, a significant historical artifact used in the coronation of ancient Scottish kings. The stone has been on display at the pub since 1950, when a group of nationalist students and regulars at The Arlington allegedly hid it there after it was removed from Westminster Abbey. Legend has it that the stone currently on display at Perth Museum is a replica created by the students, who surrendered it to the authorities upon their arrest.
In addition to The Arlington, David Low is also the chairman of Three Thistles plc group of pubs, which recently sold The Dram to Di Ciacca. He played a pivotal role in the takeover of Celtic FC by Fergus McCann in 1994, saving the club from financial turmoil. Moreover, David holds a significant stake in Scotcoin, Scotland’s only cryptocurrency.
The sale of The Arlington included the ‘Stone of Destiny,’ also known as the Stone of Scone, which will continue to be showcased in a glass case at the pub for the enjoyment of patrons and visitors. With its rich history, celebrity visitors, and intriguing legends, The Arlington remains a cherished establishment in Glasgow’s pub scene.
