A town’s cherished 125-year-old memorial clock has been wrecked after it was hit by a car.

The Paterson Clock and drinking fountain has been described as the ‘historic centrepiece’ of Bridge of Allan, in Stirlingshire.

The ornamental iron landmark – with an Egyptian-style plinth designed by the famed architect Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson – was erected in 1899 in memory of local physician Dr Alexander Paterson.

It had stood outside the Westerton Arms pub on the corner of Henderson Street and Union Street for 125 years before it was struck by a copper-coloured Mini Cooper at 4.25pm on Friday.

The car is understood to have hit a barrier as it exited the pub car park before entering Union Street where it struck two parked cars.

It then mounted the kerb and hit the clock tower, causing significant damage.

Firefighters on the scene where a 125-year-old memorial clock was smashed into by a car

The Paterson Clock and drinking fountain has been described as the ‘historic centrepiece’ of Bridge of Allan, in Stirlingshire

CCTV footage appears to show a pedestrian passing the clock a few seconds before it was toppled. Police Scotland said the 78-year-old driver of the Mini was taken to Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

She will be the subject of a report to the procurator fiscal for alleged road traffic offences.

Although the clock section was said to be ‘destroyed’, parts have been salvaged. Bridge of Allan historian Craig Mair said: ‘Its loss will be keenly felt locally.’

Bridge of Allan Community Council said: ‘We will work with Stirling Council to understand the possibility of repair of such an important landmark.’