A FAMED Glasgow pub has changed hands with a new owner set to take over the site.
The Arlington, which has been operating on Woodlands Road since 1860, was sold for an undisclosed sum by sports agent John Lonergan.
Glasgow-based businessman David Low, who owns The Clockwork on Cathcart Road, has purchased the bar, which has proved to be a favourite with celebrity fans, including comedian Billy Connolly.
The unashamed old-fashioned boozer has a distinguished history as a favoured haunt of students and academics from neighbouring Glasgow University and a hangout for thirsty journalists, artists and writers.
Famous customers over the years have included Frankie Miller and punk band The Clash.
READ MORE: Twenty facts about the Stone of Destiny ...
It also claims to be home to the Stone of Destiny, the seat upon which ancient kings of Scotland were crowned, since 1950, when a group of four Nationalist students – and Arlington regulars – re-possessed the historic artefact from Westminster Abbey and allegedly hid it in the pub.
The stone, now on display at Edinburgh Castle, is said to be a crude replica fashioned by the students, which they handed over to police when they were apprehended following a raid, according to pub legend.
David, whose investment portfolio includes a holding in Scotland’s only cryptocurrency, Scotcoin, is chairman of the Three Thistles plc group of pubs that includes Dram! and Bauhaus in Glasgow and The Steading in Edinburgh.
His brother, Kenny, is the sitting tenant in The Arlington which prompted David to make the move.
He said: “It’s a traditional community pub with an eclectic mix of hipsters, locals, university academics and students.
“It’s one of the city’s oldest, continuously operated pubs. I’ve been a customer for many years and it’s an honour for me to see it through the next stage of its journey.”
David, who helped to broker the takeover of Celtic FC by Fergus McCann in 1994, said he did not plan to make any significant changes.
READ MORE: How the Stone of Destiny finally began its journey back to Scotland
He 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.”
He added: “One of the great joys of The Arlington is the sense of continuity it represents. Many of its customers are people, now in their fifties and sixties, who drank there when they were students and who enjoy returning to something that doesn’t change.”
The sale of the pub included the "Stone of Destiny" – also known as the Stone of Scone – which will continue to be displayed prominently in a glass case in the bar for the continued enjoyment of customers and tourists.
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