When Iona entered service in 1864, the connection with the Crinan steamer was accomplished by the horse drawn track-boats Maid of Perth and Sunbeam. The improvements made by the addition of the Chevalier in 1866 were enhanced by a small screw steamer, Linnet, that was built by J. & G. Thomson at Govan for Messrs. Hutcheson.  The Linnet provided the link through the Crinan Canal between Ardrishaig and Crinan.

Track-boat Sunbeam on the west bank at Ardrishaig.

The Linnet had two screws and at 34 tons and she was launched in a fairly complete condition.  Just 86 ft long and 16 ft broad with a shallow draft, she could fit into the locks of the canal.  Her blunt canoe-shaped bow was designed to allow her to push into the opening canal lock gates.

Linnet at Crinan with Chevalier in the background

Linnet at Crinan with Countess of Kellie in 1888

Linnet at Crinan

Linnet heading for Ardrishaig

Linnet at Ardrishaig

The Glasgow Herald of Monday June 4, 1866 reports her sailing down the river on Friday, June 1.

“A small saloon steamer, named Linnet, proceeded down the river on Saturday to take her station on the Crinan Canal in connection with the Royal Route to the Highlands. Her construction is quite unique, and we doubt not but she will prove a valuable adjunct to the comfort of the numerous tourists while on their way through the Highlands.”

There was sufficient time in the connection between Ardrishaig and Crinan for passengers to walk  alongside the canal and the heavy luggage went by cart.  At certain parts, particularly the series of locks at Cairnbaan, it was common for passengers to disembark and re-embark from the little steamer and stretch their legs or visit the Cairnbaan store.  In good weather at the height of the season, pipers and dancers would perform for a coins.

Pipers on the Crinan Canal around 1903

A Highland Fling

There is little to note about Linnet’s career except to say that she performed her duties reliably for the four months each year in which she operated.  In the off-season she was housed in a covered boat-house near Lock 9 on the canal.

Linnet around 1900

Arriving at Crinan with her navigating bridge

View from on board Linnet with Robertson’s Gem at Lochgilphead

In 1894, Linnet was reboilered and fitted with a navigating bridge from which her engines could be controlled.

Linnet at Ardrishaig around 1905

Linnet at Cairnbaan around 1910

Linnet approaching Lock 7

Linnet approaching Lock 7

Linnet at Lock 8

Linnet at Lock 7 with the boathouse

Linnet at Crinan Bridge

The year, 1894, also saw the introduction on the canal of the icebreaker, Conway, built by Napier, Shanks and Bell for the Canal Company.  With a single screw and 63 ft long by 18 ft broad, she measure 52 tons.  On occasion, in summer, she provided additional accommodation for 249 passengers.

Conway

Conway

Conway in summer

Conway lasted until 1946.  Linnet was withdrawn in 1929 in favor of motor transport and sold to act as a club-house for a motor-boat club on the Gareloch.  She was wrecked in a storm in 1932.

Linnet after conversion to clubhouse in Albert Harbour, October 17, 1929 (Bulletin)