Historic Stirling clocktower to be rebuilt after council demolition

Stirling Council said it attempted to steady the tower of the Christie Clock in a conservation effort

Stirling Council says it will rebuild a historic clocktower that was demolished in a failed conservation effort.

The Christie Clock, which stood for 117 years, was found to be unstable after an inspection by structural engineers.

Stirling Council said it had attempted to steady the much-loved landmark, but it was controversially removed in an overnight demolition last month.

The council said specialist consultants would now identify the most appropriate conservation and rebuild process.

A cost plan and work programme is expected to be presented to the council for approval before April 2024.

Planning permission and listed building consent will also be required.

Stirling council leader, Chris Kane, said it would be a "complex and challenging project".

He added "The demolition of such a well-known Stirling landmark was a distressing sight for us all, and we share the public's concern at how this happened.

"While we await the findings of the review into this upsetting incident, it's important we have taken this decision to progress the initial plans to rebuild the Christie Clock.

"I can assure the people of Stirling that we are determined to rebuild the Christie Clock as soon as possible."

The council said efforts had been made to save the pillar and clock head

Local people has criticised the council for removing the tower without warning last month.

One resident told BBC Scotland News at the time: "They made a half-baked attempt to take it down and then under cover of darkness.

"They brought in a demolition machine and demolished it in an act of crass vandalism.

"What was done here was disgusting."

The clock tower was erected in 1906 in memory of George Christie, who was Provost of the Royal Burgh of Stirling from 1870 to 1879.

A council inquiry into the incident is ongoing, with a report expected at a meeting of its audit committee next month.