As reported in the Stirling Observer, 8th August 2025:

Restoration work on the historic Paterson Memorial Clock in Bridge of Allan is set to begin after council officials received the go-ahead from insurers.

The iconic clock, a fixture in Henderson Street, was knocked over when a car collided with it last December.

This C-listed cast iron timepiece, which boasts design elements by the renowned Victorian architect Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson, has been a feature of the town for 127 years.

The incident in December marked the second time a decorative clock in the Stirling Council area had been damaged within 16 months, following the destruction of Stirling’s Christie Clock from 1905 in September 2023 during botched repair work. Stirling Council has now confirmed that restoration of the Paterson Memorial Clock is on the horizon after reaching an agreement with the driver’s insurance company.

A spokesperson for Stirling Council told the Stirling Observer: “We have confirmation from the insurers involved that we can proceed to carry out works to the Paterson Memorial Clock and we are now planning the restoration of the structure, liaising closely with heritage engineers.

“We will update the local community as soon as we have an update on this phase of the process.”

The clock met its unfortunate fate on Friday, December 6, 2024, at around 4.20pm, following an incident where it was reportedly hit by a vehicle leaving a nearby car park.

A 78-year-old motorist, who was the only person in the vehicle at the time, was transported to Forth Valley Royal Hospital, in Larbert, for medical attention before being released.

The driver was subsequently charged in relation to alleged road traffic offences.

Following the incident, the clock was put into storage pending a survey to assess the extent of restoration works required.

After its removal from Henderson Street, the clock was placed in to the care of Alloa-based firm JPS Restoration and Consultancy Ltd.

The Paterson Memorial Clock, erected in 1898 through public donations, stands as a tribute to local doctor, medical officer, and Justice of the Peace Alexander Paterson.

Dr Paterson, an advocate of the therapeutic properties of the area’s waters, was instrumental in establishing Bridge of Allan as a spa resort.

The base of the Paterson Clock is believed to have been designed by Thomson, born in Balfron in 1817. As per The World of Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson (1817-1875) website, the clock’s base “can be safely said to be by Thomson, with a pillar designed by [fellow Scottish architect] James Sellars.”