The historic London Road clock has returned to Leith Walk after 15 years in storage and a full restoration.
On Tuesday, Trams to Newhaven released photos of the Victorian timepiece carefully loaded on a trailer to be delivered to Elm Row.
“I’m sure the return of the London Road clock will be welcome news to many, and thanks to its full restoration it will add a striking finishing touch to the area’s transformation. It has a rich history, and I’m sure its face has witnessed many amazing scenes in Edinburgh,” said Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener.
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The clock dates back to 1857 when it stood watch over the city from Waverley Bridge. It was moved to West End in 1896. The clock eventually found its home on London Road at the top of Leith Walk in 1955.
It was removed in 2007 during the original tram project and it has now been restored as Trams to Newhaven nears completion.
Specialist clockmakers Smith of Derby were charged with restorations, which involved dismantling the clock, priming and painting all parts, hand painting ornate features in gold, and repairing the Coat of Arms of Edinburgh.
John Lawson, City Archaeologist, said: “It has been fascinating to work with Smith of Derby in restoring this iconic clock back to its original condition and with a new striking paint scheme reflecting what we believe to be close to its original Victorian look.
“The process has proved more complex than first thought. What was thought to be a simple iron casting in four parts has been revealed by Smith’s conservation work to be a more intricate design, with individual detailed castings added separately to the main column. Along with the Elm Row pigeons, the restoration of the historic London Road Clock we hope will be enjoyed by all and add to the area’s history.”
According to the Edinburgh City Council, Trams to Newhaven remains on schedule for completion by spring 2023 and within the £207.3m budget. The council anticipates that all major construction will be completed by the end of 2022 ahead of a testing and commissioning period.
The main construction works between Montgomery Street/Annandale Street and Pilrig Street were completed last month. Main construction works are also completed between Ocean Terminal to Rennie’s Isle and between Tower Street and Constitution Place and Tower Street and Baltic Street.
Councillor Scott Arthur said: “Trams to Newhaven is of significance for communities on the route, not only through delivering a sustainable, high-capacity travel option, but by making real improvements to public spaces along the way.
Several other monuments and public artwork pieces have been refurbished and replaced as part of the Trams to Newhaven project, including the Robert Burns statue at Bernard Street, which was restored and unveiled earlier this year. In addition, the eight bronze pigeons will be returned to Elm Row this autumn.
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