Time will stand still as the Cathedral clock undergoes a major overhaul and clean this Spring.
Local horologist Darren Cox, a specialist in timekeeping, will lead the intricate restoration, dismantling the clock in situ to clean, check, and repair its components.
Darren, of Darren Cox Clocks and Scientific Instruments in Marwick, Orkney, is an accredited member of the British Horological Institute with extensive experience restoring historic clocks, including work for National Museums Scotland.
The meticulous process is set to begin on 28 April and is expected to take around a month, though the exact timeline will depend on the extent of repairs needed.
Cathedral Visitor Services Officer Annie Thuesen explained that while the clock hands will remain in place, they will not move, and the bells will not chime during the servicing period.
However, bell ringers will still have access to the cathedral belfry before Sunday services.
Upper-level tours will continue on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, with adjustments to allow visitors to witness the restoration work in progress.
For those unable to attend in person, updates will be shared on social media.
The cathedral clock, built in 1915 by James Ritchie and Son in Edinburgh and installed in Orkney in 1919, features a complex clockwork mechanism, a pendulum, weights, and a large dial.
It also connects to hammers that strike the three cathedral bells to mark the quarters and hours, as well as a separate motor triggering the curfew bell each evening.
The servicing will focus on the clockwork mechanism, pendulum, and hammers, which have been affected by dirt, dust, rust, and corrosion over time.
Repairs will also be carried out on the wooden and glass case protecting the mechanism, as holes and gaps have been identified.
This essential maintenance will ensure the historic timepiece continues to function smoothly for years to come.
