A CIVIC clock was unveiled in Dundee’s High Street yesterday as a timely memorial to the female jute mill workers in the city.

Lord Provost John Letford and singer Sheena Wellington revealed the timepiece, which features words from the Jute Mill Song by Mary Brooksbank along its base.

Sheena also took time out to perform the song at the ceremony.

The clock project was supported by Dundee City Council, Scottish Enterprise Tayside and the Rotary Club of Dundee.

“The regeneration of Dundee city centre has seen a positive modernisation which has transformed our retail sector,” said the lord provost.

“The city is also very proud of its long history and traditions, and the vast contribution that has been made by the ordinary people to Dundee—past, present and future.

“The organisations which have supported this clock project are making a very significant statement about the city and how they regard the people of Dundee.”

The words of the song as inscribed on the base of the clock are:

“Oh dear me, the mill’s gannin’ fast

The puir wee shifters canna get a rest

Shiftin’ bobbins coorse and fine

They fairly mak’ ye work for your ten and nine

Oh dear me, I wish the day was done

Rinnin’ up and doon the Pass it is nae fun

Shiftin’, piecin’, spinnin’ warp weft and twine

Tae feed and clad my bairnie affen ten and nine

Oh dear me, the warld is ill divided

Them that works the hardest are the least provided

I maun bide contented, dark days or fine

For there’s nae much pleasure livin’ affen ten and nine.”