Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Clock makes timely return
AN iconic focal point of Dundee’s city centre is this week returning to its rightful place at the heart of the high street.
Jeweller Chisholm Hunter has confirmed a working clock will be restored to its spot on the corner of Reform Street.
It was revealed in September that the business was planning to turn back the hands of time by replacing the clock which had fallen into a state of disrepair.
The spot underneath the clock at the H Samuel building, which was there for more than 120 years, was historically known as “Duffers’ Corner” because it was an obvious spot for young couples to meet.
It was also, of course, a place where people frequently found they had been stood up.
Harry Brown, Chisholm Hunter’s managing director, said the clock would be installed “carefully” overnight due to its weight, before adding that he was delighted to see it returning “where it belongs”.
He added: “Due to its weight and incredible history Chisholm Hunter wanted to ensure this was done with the utmost care.
“It was essential to get this right due to the historic bond this piece has to the city of Dundee, and also the connection it has with the people here.”
The company has been working with the Dundee Historic Society during the restoration project.
He added: “Dundee has always been a city that Chisholm Hunter has wanted to trade in.
“It has a fantastic history which actually coincides with our own, being one of the last family-run large Scottish luxury jewellers.
“We wanted to make the city of Dundee proud to have us and have invested heavily into making this happen.
“We are looking to hopefully add to the famous three Js of Dundee – jute, jam and journalism. We hope to to add jewellery.
“We are looking to launch this project on Thursday so that the people of Dundee can have this historic piece back where it belongs, after a full renovation, for Christmas.”
Store manager Stef Lindsay will also be working overnight with colleagues to ensure the clock’s timely return to the area.
Speaking previously she said: “We’ve had so many people come in and tell us about the history.
“When the original plans came out for the new store I think folk were worried the clock wouldn’t be a part of the site as it wasn’t on the drawings.
“When I’ve been able to tell them there is going to be a working clock back up there that was in keeping with the original they have been delighted.”
The clock will be officially lit-up at 4pm today.