The Clutha Bar: Historic 200-year-old Glasgow pub targeted by thieves with over £1k of damage caused
The pub faced tragedy in 2013 when a police helicopter crashed into the roof killing ten people.
A charity-run pub in Glasgow said thieves caused more than £1,000 worth of damage and stole hundreds of pounds from the till during a weekend break-in at the premises.
Managers of the Clutha, on Stockwell Street, said vandals broke into the pub’s newly-refurbished beer garden on Friday night, with the damage discovered by staff on Saturday morning.
The 200-year-old historic pub is known for its live music and is part of the Clutha Trust, a charity set up after a Police Scotland helicopter crashed into the bar in 2013. The trust provides fuel money and hot meals to struggling families.
Alan Crossan, founder and trustee of the charity, said it would cost an estimated £1,200 to fix the door and a few hundred pounds of charity money from the till had been lost.
“These things happen, but it’s a loss to the charity,” he said. “It takes away money from the charity because any profit we make goes towards what we do.”
Mr Crossan said just £100 of the charity’s money could help 15 families who were struggling. The pub has faced multiple break-ins in the past, including in the aftermath of the 2013 tragedy, which killed ten people. Those who died included the pilot, Captain David Traill, two crew members - PC Kirsty Nelis and PC Tony Collins - and seven customers in the bar.
“Staff just get on with it, it’s what we do,” Mr Crossan said.
The pub shared details of the latest break-in online, with the announcement met with an outpouring of support from the community.
“I’ve had people phoning me up and asking how they can help and donate,” Mr Crossan said. “The best thing people can do is come along to the bar for a pizza and pint, as any profit we make goes to the charity.”
The Clutha Bar on the banks of the Clyde has hosted several famous figures over the years, including Billy Connolly, Frank Zappa, Woody Guthrie and Spike Milligan. The bar runs live music every night and is a champion for young musicians.
Following the fatal helicopter crash on November 29, 2013, the Clutha Trust now runs a variety of initiatives, including music and arts-based programmes for young people. The organisation’s ‘power over poverty’ initiative supports families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis by helping them pay their electricity bills.