WORK to restore an historic B-listed clock tower on Greenock's waterfront to its former glory is set to start.
The Custom House Quay clock tower, often described as Scotland’s most elaborate harbour light, will soon undergo extensive work to sympathetically restore the pedestal, column clock, bell, light and finial.
The landmark will also receive decorative paint treatments and the work is expected to take up to ten weeks to complete, at a cost of around £110,000.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council's convener of environment and regeneration, said: “This is a landmark in Greenock and is much loved by locals and visitors alike.
“This area at the waterfront is popular with walkers and visitors and I am delighted the clock is to be restored.
“This represents another key component in the council’s re-development of the Greenock Waterfront.”
The much-admired public clock was built in 1860 and is category B listed. It was designed by William Clark and made for Greenock Harbour Trust.
It stands outside the Customs House, which was built in 1818 on what was then known as Steamboat Quay, one of the first docking areas of Greenock.
It was built from designs by William Burns of Edinburgh at a cost of £30,000. Situated to face the river, it reflects the wealth and importance of the port at that time.
The clock tower and public drinking fountain were added around 1860. The town’s motto ‘God Speed Greenock’ appears above the lion’s head on the side of the fountain.
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