Time to stand still as the Cathedral clock undergoes a Spring clean and service!

Time will stand still whilst the Cathedral clockwork undergoes a major overhaul and clean this Spring. 

Local horologist (a specialist in the art and science of timekeeping), Darren Cox, will undertake the major overhaul, which includes the clock being taken apart in situ to allow for most of its independent parts to be cleaned, checked and in some cases repaired. 

Darren, of Darren Cox Clocks and Scientific Instruments, is an accredited member of the British Horological Institute based in Marwick, Orkney. He has extensive experience in the restoration of historic clocks and has among other things worked for National Museums Scotland, servicing all the working clocks in their displays. 

The intricate work, which is estimated to take around one month to complete, is due to start on Monday 28 April. 

Cathedral Visitor Services Officer, Annie Thuesen, said: “Whilst we estimate around one month, ultimately the amount of time needed can only be determined once the clock has been taken apart and the extent of necessary repairs has been more accurately determined. 

“The clock will be stopped whilst the service is ongoing. Hence, although the actual clock dial is not being serviced and the hands of the cathedral clock will still be in place, the hands will not move, and the bells will not chime. However, bell ringers will still be able to access the cathedral belfry and ring the bells before Sunday service.” 

The cathedral will still run upper-level tours on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Those will be adapted to allow visitors to see the ongoing works. Interested members of the public who are not able to attend an upper-level tour may follow the progress on social media. More details to come. 

Annie explained why an overhaul is required. 

“The cathedral clock was built in 1915 in Edinburgh, by James Ritchie and Son, and was transported to Orkney and installed in the cathedral in 1919, just as the First World War ended.  

“The clock features a clockwork mechanism, a pendulum, a set of weights and a large clock dial. The clockwork mechanism is also connected to hammers which strike the three cathedral bells to mark the quarters and the hours. There is a separate motor which sets off the hammer for the curfew bell that chimes for 3-4 minutes every night, one minute past 8pm. 

“The servicing will focus on the clockwork mechanism, the pendulum and the hammers. In all cases, dirt and dust are obstructing the smooth running of the mechanism, and all parts need to be thoroughly cleaned. Issues with wear, rust and corrosion have also been identified, notably in the clockwork mechanism and in terms of the curfew hammer and its spring. Furthermore, the wood and glass case protecting the clockwork from dust has been found to have holes and gaps and will also need repairing.”