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Ochil Street Clock Tower, Tillicoultry

A striking 19th-century Scottish Baronial clock tower standing proudly on Ochil Street, echoing Tillicoultry’s rich industrial heritage.

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The Ochil Street Clock Tower is a historic landmark in Tillicoultry, Scotland, built in 1879 as a bell tower for the former Town Hall. Standing prominently on Ochil Street, it exemplifies Scottish Baronial architecture with Neo-Gothic influences and serves as a charming reminder of the town’s rich industrial heritage and community spirit.

A brief summary to Ochil Street Clock Tower

  • 72 Ochil St, Tillicoultry, FK13 6EJ, GB
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architectural details and surrounding streetscape.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along Ochil Street to explore historic millworkers’ cottages and local shops.
  • Learn about Tillicoultry’s textile industry history to enrich your understanding of the clock tower’s context.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Tillicoultry with nearby towns such as Alloa and Stirling, with journey times ranging from 20 to 40 minutes. Buses arrive approximately every 30 minutes. Tickets cost around £3–£6 one way. The bus stop is a short walk from Ochil Street Clock Tower.

  • Train and Walk

    The nearest train station is Alloa, about 6 km from Tillicoultry. From Alloa, a taxi or local bus takes 15–20 minutes to reach the town center. Walking from the station to the clock tower is possible but takes about 1.5 hours over mixed terrain.

  • Car

    Driving to Tillicoultry is straightforward via the A91 road. Parking is available in public car parks near Ochil Street. Travel times from Stirling or Alloa are approximately 20 minutes. Parking is usually free but can be limited during peak hours.

Ochil Street Clock Tower location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about Ochil Street Clock Tower

Architectural Heritage and Historical Context

The Ochil Street Clock Tower, constructed in 1879, originally served as a bell tower for Tillicoultry’s now-demolished Town Hall. This free-standing tower is a notable example of Scottish Baronial style, subtly blended with Neo-Gothic elements, which was popular in 19th-century Scotland. Its design reflects the architectural tastes of the era and stands as a distinctive feature on Ochil Street, one of the town’s most attractive thoroughfares.

Tillicoultry’s Industrial Roots and Urban Development

Tillicoultry developed significantly during the 18th and 19th centuries, largely due to its thriving textile industry. The town’s growth was powered by the Tillicoultry Burn, which fueled woollen mills producing the famous Tillicoultry serge fabric. Ochil Street, where the clock tower stands, is part of a diagonal street grid lined with former millworkers’ cottages, embodying the town’s industrial past. The clock tower itself symbolizes the civic pride and community identity forged during this period of rapid expansion.

The Clock Tower’s Role in Community Life

Beyond its architectural significance, the clock tower has been a focal point of local life. It was added as part of the Popular Institute, a community building established in 1859, with the tower arriving two decades later through a generous donation. Although the Town Hall no longer exists, the clock tower remains a beloved landmark, embodying the spirit and history of Tillicoultry’s residents.

Preservation and Cultural Significance

Today, the clock tower is category B-listed, recognizing its importance within Scotland’s built heritage. Local efforts have aimed to preserve and repair the tower, including campaigns to restore its clock to full working order. It stands not only as a historical monument but also as a symbol of community resilience and heritage conservation.

Visual Appeal and Setting

Situated on Ochil Street with views towards the Ochil Hills, the clock tower offers visitors a picturesque glimpse into the town’s past. Its stonework and architectural detailing contrast with the surrounding millworkers’ cottages and modern developments, creating a unique streetscape that captures the layered history of Tillicoultry.

Legacy within the Ochil Hills Region

The tower is part of a broader narrative of the Hillfoot villages along the southern edge of the Ochil Hills, where industrial growth and natural landscape intertwine. It stands as a testament to the area's transformation from rural hamlets to vibrant industrial communities, preserving a tangible link to the past amid ongoing change.

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