Rare clock becomes gift to the nation

Published on 18/11/2010 10:03

A RARE clock has been gifted permanently to National Museums Scotland by the Royal Scottish Society of Arts.

The regulator clock was made by Thomas Reid of Edinburgh in 1791.

Reid was active in the society's early days, and the clock was presented to the society by Reid's nephew and successor, William Auld, in 1846.

It carries an inscription on the dial recording the gift.

In 1952, the clock was passed to the Royal Scottish Museum - now the National Museum of Scotland - on long-term loan.

It has now been formally gifted on a permanent basis.

Dr Gordon Rintoul, director of National Museums Scotland, said: "I am grateful to the Royal Scottish Society of Arts for giving us this rare clock, which showcases Scotland's achievements in horology and is now on permanent display in our Industry and Empire Gallery."