Glasgow's "Stone of Destiny"

Ever since the reign of King Edward I, all succeeding British monarchs have been crowned sovereign over a slab of rock known as the Stone of Destiny. It goes by other titles such as the Coronation Stone in England and Stane o Scuin (Stone of Scone) in Scotland.

This precious relic was originally used to ordain Scottish kings until 1296, when King Edward I took possession of it as a bounty to show his authority over Scotland. It remained in English hands for centuries, until Christmas day in 1950, when four students from Glasgow University stole it and brought it back over the border. A massive manhunt ensued. The ancient symbol was eventually found several months later in Arbroath Abbey. The stone, though slightly damaged, was returned in time for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. But was this the real McCoy or a fictitious decoy?

The quartet of artifact thieves purportedly made a facsimile to fool the authorities in their desperate search for the historical object. They insist that the “true” Stone of Destiny lies in a west-end pub near the University of Glasgow.

The Arlington Bar takes pride in showcasing this antique of Scottish heritage. It is displayed in a glass case free for everyone to view, be they a soon-to-be-crowned ruler or lowly commoner.