Driver charged after historic 126-year-old clock in Scots town hit by car

Driver Charged for Colliding with 126-year-old Historic Clock in Scottish Town

A driver has been charged with alleged road traffic offences after a historic 126-year-old clock in Bridge of Allan collapsed when it was struck by a car. The incident took place around 4.20pm on Friday, December 6, as an orange Mini Cooper hit a barrier while exiting a car park on Henderson Street. Subsequently, the car collided with two parked cars on Union Street before finally crashing into the local clock tower, causing significant damage.

The 78-year-old driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was taken to Forth Valley Royal Hospital for treatment and has since been discharged. She will face charges for the alleged road traffic offenses. The Paterson Memorial Clock, standing outside the town’s Westerton Arms, was erected in 1898 through public subscription to honour Dr. Alexander Paterson’s service to the community.

Local police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, urging anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward if they have not yet spoken to the authorities. Constable Maxwell Polley stated, “I’d also like to view any dashcam footage from Union Street and Henderson Street captured between 4.20pm and 4.30pm.” Bridge Of Allan Community Council expressed sadness over the incident and emphasized the clock’s significance as a cherished landmark in the village.

The community council pledged to collaborate with Stirling Council to explore the possibility of repairing the clock tower, acknowledging its importance to the local residents. Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact the police by calling 101 and quoting incident number 2385 of Friday, December 6, 2024.

Insights:
This news article highlights the unfortunate event of a historic clock in Bridge of Allan being damaged due to a car collision. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural landmarks and the need for responsible driving to avoid such mishaps in the future. The community response and efforts to assess the damage and explore restoration options demonstrate the value placed on historical monuments by local residents.