Community Volunteers Restore Historic Police Station Clock
Local enthusiasts tackle the challenge of fixing a 19th-century clock tower
1Historic clock tower challenge
The Portobello Police Station clock, built in 1877, presented a unique challenge for community volunteers. Action Porty, having acquired the building for community use, discovered the clock mechanism needed adjustment. The tower's height and antique mechanism required careful exploration, with volunteers climbing steep ladders to access the clock works. The building itself has served multiple purposes since its construction, from council offices to library and police station.
2Mechanical investigation begins
Volunteers found an original 19th-century mechanism modified with electric motors. The clock faces were driven through a series of gears rotating once per hour, with separate drives for each face. A key discovery was a removable pawl that allowed manual adjustment of the time. The team had to account for being inside the mechanism when setting the hands, initially confusing their orientation. This hands-on approach revealed the clock's robust mechanical design.
3Electronics puzzle emerges
Beyond the mechanical components, volunteers encountered a modern control box added to the original mechanism. The box contained a 2001-era PIC microcontroller, relays, and a lead-acid battery charging circuit. With minimal documentation, the team had to deduce its operation through experimentation. A single 'advance' button provided the only user interface, though its function wasn't immediately clear. This unexpected electronic component added complexity to the restoration project.
4Testing the timekeeping
After manual adjustments, the team waited until 4pm to verify the clock's accuracy. The successful time display confirmed their mechanical fixes worked. The bell chimed precisely four times at the hour, demonstrating the clock's restored functionality. However, recognizing potential noise concerns for neighbors, the team prudently disconnected the chime mechanism afterward. This balanced approach addressed both technical restoration and community considerations.
5Community ownership context
The restoration occurred as part of broader community efforts following the Scottish Land Fund's support for acquiring the building. Volunteers were already working to remove 1970s-era renovations, revealing original architectural details. The clock project represents early steps in repurposing the historic structure for community use. This grassroots initiative demonstrates how local expertise can preserve and adapt historic infrastructure when given ownership.
6Technical challenges overcome
The team faced multiple technical hurdles: accessing the high tower, understanding the hybrid mechanical-electronic system, and safely testing adjustments. Their systematic approach—first addressing the mechanical timekeeping, then investigating the chime controls—proved effective. The project required both physical courage (climbing to the tower) and technical problem-solving skills. Their success shows how community projects can combine historical preservation with practical maintenance.
7Future possibilities
The successful clock restoration opens possibilities for further community use of the building. Volunteers speculated about potential enhancements to the timekeeping system during their post-project celebration. The experience has sparked interest in deeper involvement with the building's transformation. As community ownership takes shape, this project demonstrates how technical challenges can become opportunities for civic engagement and skill-sharing.
8Model for community projects
This clock restoration exemplifies how communities can take ownership of local heritage. By combining diverse skills—from mechanical knowledge to electronics troubleshooting—volunteers preserved a visible piece of neighborhood history. The project balanced technical restoration with community sensitivity regarding the chime. It serves as a model for other communities looking to maintain historic infrastructure while adapting it for contemporary use.