Iconic Diageo clock at Leven site brought back to life

The clock had been a landmark on the Windygates Road since 1999 but fell into disrepair several years ago. It was recently rediscovered, and a team of engineering apprentices collaborated to restore it to its former glory.

Third and fourth year apprentices Kyle McLean, Euan Simpson and Danielle O’Sullivan led the restoration efforts, working closely with contractor, FCE Group.

Over the last year, the team of apprentices managed the project, scoping what was salvageable, putting together timescales, a production plan, technological assessments, cost analysis and carrying out hands-on engineering.

As an outdoor electrical installation, there were unique challenges for the apprentices to overcome. The clock had to be protected from lightening and wind damage, waterproofed and earthed. As well as the fluid clock mechanism, the apprentices had to consider lighting, the temperature probe and programming the digital display.

The clock was switched on by the longest-serving employee, Lorraine Johnstone, who has served 42 years and eight months in the packaging team.

Jason McEvoy, engineering manager at Diageo, said: “The work that the apprentices have put in to reinstate the iconic spinning clock is fantastic.

“They gained exposure to many things, developing their hand and machinery skills, building a network of contractors and engineers, and managing a project from start to finish.

“The team handled the restoration with the care, craft and ingenuity required of our engineers. I’m so proud of what they’ve achieved and thank them and FCE Group for their hard work to make the project a reality.”