Maid of the Loch was dismantled and taken by rail to Balloch, where a spur line came alongside the existing slipway. This not only brought the sections within easy reach of where the ship was to be reassembled, but allowed the use of a railway crane.

The striking photograph on the right shows the cylinder block, a major component of the ship’s engines, being lifted aboard. The port paddlebox and part of the main deck have been left off to allow the crane to reach the engine room.

The winch house, machinery and slipway received Grade A listed building status in February 2000, a further indication of the importance and value of the project.       The slipway remained in use for overhauling ships until 1990 when Countess Fiona was hauled up it. In the winch house, which dates from 1900-02, is a two cylinder, simple expansion steam engine driving the winding mechanism. After its boiler became unserviceable the engine was still used by supplying it with compressed air from a mobile diesel-powered compressor. Over the years, the facility fell into disrepair until LLSC’s successful application for Lottery Funding in December 2004.

HISTORY 3