Stirling Council Approves £870,000 for Historic Clock Reconstruction

Stirling Council has sanctioned an expenditure of £870,000 for the reconstruction of a historic clocktower, which was previously dismantled during an unsuccessful conservation attempt. Council members endorsed a proposal from conservation specialists aimed at reinstating the Christie Clock and preserving the maximum possible amount of its original stonework. The beloved city landmark, which had stood for 117 years, was determined to be unstable following an assessment by structural engineers. Stirling Council stated that efforts were made to stabilize the tower, but it was controversially taken down in an overnight demolition in September last year. The C-listed clock, erected in 1905 as a memorial to former Stirling Provost George Christie, is subject to a delivery program developed by conservation experts. This program outlines the rebuild in three phases, with a potential completion date of October 2026. Stirling Council made a commitment to its reinstatement in October last year. A report issued in March estimated the restoration cost at £873,460. After efforts to pinpoint the most cost-effective proposals, councillors have consented to allocate funding for the project. Stirling Council depute leader Gerry McGarvey commented: “We appreciate the strength of feeling about what happened to this much-loved clock.” “It was incredibly difficult situation for everyone, but there was general consensus about honouring our commitment to the people of Stirling. “Not everyone will agree with our decision at a time when Stirling Council, like other local authorities, faces a significant budget shortfall.”” The council is now required to seek retrospective listed building consent for the clock’s prior demolition and planning permission for its reconstruction. The stonework was taken from the site in September last year and has remained in secure storage since. Subsequent to the demolition, Stirling Council and the Stirling City Heritage Trust, in collaboration with Historic Environment Scotland, developed a strategy to safeguard the future of Stirling’s historic assets.