THE restoration of the beloved Clackmannan Tolbooth has almost finished, with the final touches expected to be finalised this week.

The tolbooth has been under construction since April, with local firm Lasman Industries undertaking the contract for its revival.

Throughout the summer, the company has worked to rebuild or replace parts of the structure, which sits at the centre of the town on the corner of Main Street and Port Street.

John Lasman, director for Lasman, spoke of the passion his team had when working on the project, looking forward to it being completed.

“We’re working on the last wee bits,” he said. “This is always the hardest part for any builder to just pull it all together.

“I’m quite happy with where we are, it’s been a really interesting project and it’s unique for us to work on this.

“It’s been a great honour for us to be chosen by Clackmannanshire Council as the main contractor for this prestigious project.

“It involved us bringing together several, highly specialised trades and it’s them I’d like to pay tribute to over the last few months.”

The project has seen a complete overhaul of the existing tolbooth, with Lasman carrying out reconstruction works on the floors, clock and clock face restorations, bell works and reinforcements on the existing structure.

The restoration has an earmarked completion date of week beginning October 21, with an unveiling event planned once the construction has been fully carried out.

Provost Donald Balsillie has been a long term supporter of the restoration, being on hand to officially begin construction.

He added: “As provost, I am delighted to see the restoration of Clackmannan Tolbooth come to fruition.

“It’s a grade B listed building initially constructed in 1592 which along with the Mercat Cross and Clackmannan Stone are scheduled ancient monuments and are standout landmarks of historic significance.

“Together, they represent an iconic landmark location, not just in the village of Clackmannan, but for Clackmannanshire.

“A great deal of work has been carried out by local builders and craftspeople in restoring not just the stonework but the bell, illuminated clock and weather vane.

“This has been a long time in the planning and I thank everyone involved in the planning and restoration of this important landmark.

“The work should safeguard the tolbooth and its surrounding features for many years to come.”