A famous clock which looms over a Moray community has sprung back to life for the first time in decades.
Time has stood still for the past 20 years, according to the timepiece atop the steeple of the former Elgin South Church.
However, following an ambitious repairs project, its hands began to stir yesterday afternoon and it chimed for the first time in recent memory at 1pm.
The church was opened in 1854 and was the spiritual home for thousands of Moray people for nearly 150 years, until it was deemed surplus to requirements and closed in 2000.
Jo Maunder bought the former Church of Scotland building on South Guildry Street in 2006, with the intention of turning it into a children’s nursery.
However, that venture proved unsuccessful and she subsequently formed plans to convert it into a climbing facility.
The building was reopened last year as the Spireroxx centre – and now features a 30ft climbing wall as well as a children’s climbing area.
After sprucing up the historic venue’s interior, staff began to look into restoring the clock tower to its former glory.
Manager Ginny Slater said: “We had made inquiries, and were told that it would cost in the region of £6,000 to have the clock fixed – which we really can’t afford.
“The hands had seized, and we thought we would have to take all four clock faces off to get them working again.”
But Spireroxx climbing instructor and general handyman, Ali MacDonald, ventured to the top of the building to inspect the damage himself.
Mr MacDonald said: “I went to see what was wrong with it, and it turned out not to require too much work.
“It had been converted to electric at some point, and that needed fixed, but, other than that, the parts just needed oiled.
“I’m not sure it is running perfectly yet, it’s still a work in progress, but we are pleased to have it running at all.”
When the clock is fully functioning, it should chime to mark every hour between 6am and 10pm.
Mr MacDonald also discovered a number of cogs and equipment from decades ago while he was in the belfry, which he hopes can go on display at the venue.
