'We would gladly have three minutes less of 2020': Iconic clock on Balmoral not to change at New Year

The iconic clock at the Balmoral Hotel on Princes Street will not correct the time on Hogmanay for the first time in 118 years.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The clock traditionally runs three minutes fast to aid those attempting to catch a train at Waverley Station.

The only time it would right itself is on Hogmanay, in order to mark the bells at midnight.

Read More
Travel blog apologises after claiming Edinburgh is in England
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Balmoral, now owned by Rocco Forte Hotels, took to social media to announce that for the first time in almost 120 years, the clock would not be altered to run at the correct time, and will be ringing in 2021 three minutes early.

Their post read: “Public service announcement!

"Our majestic clock (which runs 3 minutes fast) is only correct on 31st December.

"However, for the first time in 118 years, it will remain on Balmoral Standard Time (BST) as we would gladly have 3 minutes less of 2020 and be the first to bring in 2021!”

The clock, which famously runs three minutes fast, will not be corrected for Hogmanay for the first time in 118 years.The clock, which famously runs three minutes fast, will not be corrected for Hogmanay for the first time in 118 years.
The clock, which famously runs three minutes fast, will not be corrected for Hogmanay for the first time in 118 years.

A message from the Editor:Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.

Related topics: