THE stone circle known as ­Glasgow's Stonehenge is to be moved to another site after consultations with campaigners.

Council officials have held a series of talks with fans of the Sighthill Circle which was built in 1979 as Britain's first authentically aligned stone circle in more than 3,000 years.

The stones in Sighthill Park were to be removed to make way for a major regeneration project in the area. News of their departure led to a campaign to save them backed by key figures in the cultural community including Stuart Braithwaite, guitarist with the rock band Mogwai, whose late father John helped build them.

Acclaimed author and artist Alasdair Gray and Professor John Brown, the Queen's official astronomer to Scotland, also backed the campaign.

Duncan Lunan, who led the original project and the campaign to save the 17 stones, confirmed he has held a series of recent talks with Glasgow City Council and building consultants Gardiner and Theobald over the relocation of the stones.

A report yesterday suggested that the council will spend "thousands" relocating the stones but Mr Lunan said no location in the park had yet been confirmed.

The row over the stones had led last year to an apology from the council over its public handling of the affair.

The stones were put up in 1979 and Mr Lunan said they could be removed and relocated as early as spring next year.

Mr Lunan said: "We have had talks with the council about removing the stones and putting them in another part of the park but it is all to be absolutely confirmed. I have also had meetings with Gardiner and Theobald.

"If possible, I would like to complete as many [astronomical ]observations as possible before they are moved."

A council spokesman said: "We have met with Mr Lunan to discuss the current site, the proposed Sighthill masterplan and the opportunities for the potential relocation of the stones within the local area.

"As part of the project process for the wider masterplan we are continuing to explore the options available, and intend to meet with Mr Lunan again in the near future."

Philip Carr-Gomm, leader of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, said he is opposed to the complete removal of the stones.

"The circle is a marvellous asset to the city and is a haven for wild-life and people alike. Part of its charm is that is so unexpected.

"We are used to seeing circles in the wilds and to discover one amongst the motorways and ­high-rises of a large city such as Glasgow is magical."

There are 16 stones that form the perimeter of the circle, with a large final stone, which weighs more than four tonnes, completing the ring.

The circle is situated to mark sunrise and sunset at the solstices and is aligned to Rigel, the seventh brightest star in the night sky.