Hewn from massive blocks of sandstone, Sir Walter Scott's Georgian grandfather clock is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Its very existence speaks volumes about Scott’s wit and the expertise of the stonemasons working at Abbotsford. Our investigations show that this is more than just a novelty item – everything about its design indicates it once had a working movement. Likely to have been created by the talented Smiths of Darnick in 1823, experts have never seen anything like it anywhere in the world. 

After lying in pieces for over 100 years, we have completed our initial stage of conservation work on the stonework. We’re delighted that the clock is now raising eyebrows and making people smile in our Visitor Centre but time marches on.

With your help, we are hoping to breathe new life into the clock by restoring its movement and replacing the original sandstone door with a window through which visitors can see the moving pendulum.  

Please help us put the tick tock back in the clock!