Project Background
Up until March 2020, the Dufftown Clock Tower was owned as a common good asset by the Moray Council. Due to budgetary restrictions in the council, the Clock Tower was shut down in Summer 2016. The DDCA quickly sought a resolution to the rather embarrassing situation of the most iconic building not functioning.
The DDCA were able to secure a maintenance agreement with the Moray Council which allowed us to rewire the power supply and make suitable repairs such that we could operate the clock until we could take ownership of the building. After a lengthy but smooth process which cost us nothing due to donations and volunteer time, the DDCA took ownership of the Clock Tower just as the COVID-19 Lockdown struck.
Looking to the future
The DDCA have committed to securing the future operation of the clock as our first priority. We are now considering suitable uses for the interior of the building while also developing plans to ensure that the building fabric remains in good condition.
March 2021 – DDCA appoints Angela Gow as our conservation architect to carry out a fabric condition survey and provide QS repair costs.
July 2022 – With support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, DDCA appoints Delfinity consultancy for business planning.
August 2022 – Clocktower Abseil fundraising event in collaboration with Outfit Moray. We raised £1,894.13 in sponsorship money. The funds will go towards smaller repairs to prevent further water ingress through windows and roofs.
August 2022 – Public meeting to gather community views on different options for future use of the building. Different options were presented by Delfinity consultancy and participants were encouraged to give their opinion. Full presentation slides of the different options can be found here: Dufftown Clock Tower Community Meeting.
November 2022 – The Clocktower Dufftown Clocktower business plan for future use with cost estimates is presented.
May 2023 – Conservation Architect Angela Dow and design team is appointed to take the project up to RIBA stage 4. Work related to RIBA stage 0-3 receives funding from Architectural Heritage Fund and the William Grant Foundation.
Support us
We have been operating the Clock Tower Fundraising club in order to raise funds for the ongoing cost of ownership associated with the Clock Tower. The club costs £12 per year to join and we operate a quarterly prize draw worth up to 25% of the membership fee collected in that period. Joining the club is easy – sign up online today.
You can also show your support by writing a Statement of support towards the clocktower restorations.
Get in touch to support the Clock Tower!
