Twenty-six lucky youngsters took time out from school on a sunny morning to visit Kilmarnock’s eyecatching new landmark – the floral clock at the top of John Finnie Street.

But the Loanhead P4 pupils were not just there to look. They had plenty of questions for the workers on site – and even had a go at repointing the wall below the clock, with a bit of guidance from stonemasons James McConville and Steve Wozencroft.

Andy McLatchie, of landscape architects David Wilson Associates, showed the children early designs for the clock and explained how plans changed and were refined to suit the sloping location at the railway station.

The youngsters also enjoyed looking at computer animations of the unique clock from all different angles, as if seen from a helicopter flying around, which helped the architects to complete their design.


The children learned about the challenges contractors Landscapes and Contracts Ltd (L & C) faced working on the raised site. Andy also explained how he selected suitable materials for the clock and surrounding terraces, for durability and ease of maintenance, as well as visual appearance.

Heritage Projects Co-ordinator Colin McKee said: "Conservation and repair works to the wall began on 19 March. This element of the project was held back to ensure temperatures were of a suitable level to allow lime mortar to be successfully applied. Work is programmed for four weeks and should be complete by 13 April.

"An important part of the project was to include an element of education. The session with Loanhead Primary was very successful and the children really enjoyed learning about conservation repairs and the design process for the project."

William Meikle, Director of L & C, said: "The repointing of the walling is a traditional skill and we were happy to provide a demonstration to the children and an opportunity for them to have some hands-on involvement by working alongside craftsmen."

Work started on the clock – which now lights up John Finnie Street in spectacular fashion each evening – in November 2011. The lighting scheme gives a different look day and night and a colour change on the hour, making this clock unique in the UK.

(GK)