Lochwinnoch’s 283-year-old time-keeper – which is known as Auld Simon – has been given an elegant facelift.

The clock has been given shiny new gold hands and numerals which stand out against a black background.

When Lochwinnoch Councillor Andy Doig noticed the clock had stopped working in November last year, the politician notified the council that it needed to be repaired.

This week, following the restoration work, the SNP-man heaped praise on his Renfrewshire House paymasters for their role in the revamp of the clock, which is also known as the Grand Old Man of Lochwinnoch and has been keeping time for the village since 1731.

He said: “In November last year I noticed that Auld Simon had stopped working, and it was even a topic of discussion at the Lochwinnoch Elderly Forum.

“I immediately notified council officers and although it took longer than expected, I am delighted that the clock face has been repaired with the numeral and clock hands in striking gold against a black background.

“This gives it a dignity and gravitas which befits the Grand Old Man of Lochwinnoch.” And the councillor, who also represents Johnstone and Kilbarchan, gave a history lesson for younger Renfrewshire residents who may not know the clock’s past.

He said: “It is amazing to think that this clock – part of the original St John’s Kirk, which was a site of worship for 800 years, and after which Johnshill is named – has been keeping time for a staggering 283 years.

“This is all that remains of the church built there in 1729 and the Chapel of Lochwinnoch was on this spot before 1692 and built in the form of a cross, the aisles being known as the Barr aisle and the Semple aisle.

“When the present Lochwinnoch Parish Church was opened in 1808, the old church was demolished, leaving only the tower, which was used as a watchtower.” It was Auld Simon’s use as a watchtower which meant it was saved for future generations and earned the nickname most people now refer to it by.

Doig added: “Tombs had to be guarded against the activities of bodysnatchers, and it was believed that “Auld Simon” was the name of one of the old weavers who had looked after the clock regularly.

“It therefore became known as “Auld Simon’s Clock”, and through time just “Auld Simon”.