Blair Atholl Castle Clock

May 21, 2012 News, Public

blairthumbWhen a fire destroyed the clock tower at the historic Blair Castle in 2011, there were fears that the famous clocks would be lost forever.

The tower is a main feature of the 13th Century castle in Perthshire, which is one of Scotland’s major tourist attractions, and was devastated in the blaze.

But thanks to Smith of Derby, the clocks have been rebuilt and are better than ever, using the most modern technology behind the face of centuries of history.

The four independent clocks are run off a calculated control unit, with automatic seasonal updates, and are designed to run in powers cuts.

Tony Charlesworth, Smith of Derby’s Scotland-based Technical Sales Engineer, said:

It’s a really clever bit of kit; it keeps running through all weathers and power cuts. The Castle can be in complete darkness for two or three days yet the clock will still be working to the correct time.

Tony said that the original clocks were too damaged to be saved.

We were asked to see if we could rebuild the original but it was too damaged. We replaced the old with the modern, substituting copper for the facing instead of the original wood, ensuring both longevity and an amazing finish, as well as incorporating the existing hands with the new mechanism.

The clock tower, a Grade A listed building, had to undergo substantial renovation to restore it to its former glory.

Smith of Derby has looked after the Blair Castle, near the village of Blair Atholl in Perthshire, prior to the fire, for over 30 years, and will continue to look after it for the foreseeable future.

More information on Smith of Derby products and services

E: enquiries@smithofderby.com

T: 01332 345 569

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