IT'S called the Running Clock but for years the one thing it has never managed to do is run to time.

The timepiece, outside Buchanan Bus Station, was designed as a meeting point for travellers but its four faces usually tell different times.

But, following a campaign by Glasgow MSP Drew Smith, the clock will soon start telling the correct time.

The distinct clock was designed by Glasgow-born artist George Wyllie, who died last year.

It was put in place in 2000 in Killermont Street and was adopted by the Glasgow City Council for maintenance more than a year ago, but had already stopped working by then.

The power supply had been disconnnected, and was only partly functional after it was reconnected.

Since then attempts have been continuing to find contractors who are able to repair the clock.

It is meant to chime only once a day, at 8pm, which is said to be the perfect meeting time.

Mr Smith said: "I am pleased that repair works on the Clyde Clock can begin this month.

"As other works by George Wyllie are on display at the Mitchell Library, it seems only right that the Clyde Clock gets back up and running.

"The council has told me the parts have arrived and work can begin shortly.

"It would be fitting to have the Clock running before the exhibition ends on February 3."

Shettleston-born sculptor George Wyllie became famous for his playful works.

These included the Straw Locomotive, which was suspended from the Finnieston crane, before the work was taken to Springburn and cremated.

Mr Wyllie died last May, aged 90.

His work is currently being displayed in the exhibition In Pursuit Of The Question Mark, at the Mitchell Library.

Louise Wyllie, his eldest daughter, said: "I am delighted my father's clock is about to start telling the people of Glasgow the time again as they go about their daily business.

"It is in such a prominent position in the city centre.

"The family have been inundated with calls, letters and e-mails asking us when it is going to start working again, especially in the last year.

"I can't thank Drew Smith enough for all his efforts in getting the clock up and running and Glasgow City Council for its efforts too."

"I am sure that come the 2014 Commonwealth Games it will become a symbol of the energy that sprints around Glasgow on a daily basis."

A council spokesman said: "We recently adopted the clock and have been working to restore it, which has been a complicated process.

"We hope to have it back in full working order soon."

fiona.mckay@ heraldandtimes.co.uk