Stirling Council has given the green light for the repair of the historic Christie Clock, which was devastated in a failed repair attempt in September 2023. The restoration project is set to cost a staggering £873,000, with councillors agreeing to proceed with the recommendations provided by officers. The plan involves rebuilding the iconic clock using as much of the existing stonework as possible, including the column, plinth, and clock head.
The budget for the repair work includes £678,460 for the restoration itself, along with £95,000 for fees and an additional £100,000 set aside for contingencies, bringing the total cost to £873,460. Among the options presented to the councillors, the cheapest one would have retained only the plinth and required a bespoke capping piece to replace the clock.
The unfortunate incident last year saw the clock smashed to the ground during repair works, causing outrage among the local community. Video footage captured the moment when an excavator demolished the stone column, leading to the collapse of the clock and surrounding scaffolding. Following the destruction, only the plinth of the memorial clock remained intact.
To reinstate the clock, Stirling Council will allocate funds from its budget over the next two financial years. The decision to proceed with the restoration comes after much debate and consideration of various options. This restoration project is not just about fixing a clock but also about preserving a piece of Stirling’s history and heritage for future generations to appreciate.
In conclusion, the approval of the £873,000 repair plan for Stirling’s historic Christie Clock is a significant step towards restoring a beloved landmark that holds cultural and historical importance for the local community. The decision to rebuild the clock using as much of the original stonework as possible demonstrates a commitment to preserving Stirling’s heritage and identity. The painstaking process of restoration will not only repair the physical structure but also revive a symbol of the city’s past, ensuring that it continues to stand the test of time.