Clock change UK

Tick Tock, But Not for Balmoral: The Clock That Never Learns!

As UK sets the clocks back, find out why Balmoral Hotel's clock is still out of sync!

As Sunday approaches, millions across the UK are gearing up for the dreaded clock change, symbolising both the end of summer's longer days and the beginning of darker evenings. With the clocks rolling back to GMT, everyone’s keen to enjoy that extra hour in bed (or perhaps that cheeky midnight snack!). However, amongst the hustle and bustle of this twice-yearly ritual, one clock will continue to be the odd one out. Introducing the infamous Balmoral Hotel clock tower in Edinburgh – a beloved landmark that just can’t seem to get its timing right.

From the moment it was installed, the Balmoral clock has been notorious for being set five minutes fast. While this might have been intended to help commuters catch their trains, the clock's accuracy hasn't improved over time. Situated in the heart of Scotland’s capital, the clock tower has a proud but baffling reputation. Tourists flock to take selfies beneath the iconic face, blissfully unaware that they may arrive too early for their dinner reservations. As the rest of the country adjusts their watches this Sunday, the Balmoral clock will remain stubbornly speedy, but who can say it hasn’t added a bit of charm to this historical landmark?

As we prepare to fall back in time, it’s worth noting that this peculiar quirk has led to many a missed appointment and amusing anecdotes. Locals have wisecracked that if they want to be on time for anything, they should consult the clock at least five minutes later. Functioning simultaneously as a nostalgic homage to the past and a symbol of Edinburgh’s quirky spirit, the clock can’t help but make you smile at its delightful defiance.

Now, as winter sets in and everyone is bracing for shorter days, the unmistakable tick-tock of the Balmoral clock will echo through its streets, still a reminder of the important lessons time imparts – including being fashionably late! Interestingly, the clock was designed by the esteemed Scottish architect William Playfair, and interestingly, it stands at an impressive 49 meters tall. As the clocks change, keep an eye on this peculiar piece of Scottish heritage and remember, time can be as quirky as the people it serves!