The MAIDS

The "Maids" were four small passenger-only motor vessels built for the Caledonian Steam Packet Company in 1953, a time when most people did not have their own transport, for use on various Clyde services. By the early seventies, with the increasing use of private cars, all were redundant and were withdrawn.

Maid of Ashton Maid of Ashton moved to the Thames Embankment in London where she was rename Hispaniola and became a floating restaurant.

Maid of Argyll was sold to Greece where she is understood still to serve as the City of Piraeus, although in a much modified condition.

Maid of Cumbrae and Maid of Skelmorlie were reprieved and converted to car ferries, serving with the Glen Sannox on the Gourock-Dunoon service. Eventually, with the arrival of the newly-built "Streakers" in 1974, they were again removed from service and sold.
Maid of Skelmorlie was told first, to Italy, and became the Capri Ala.
Maid of Cumbrae followed some time later, becoming Capri Express
Maid of Cumbrae (after conversion to car ferry service)

It should be note that Maid of the Loch was an earlier and completely different type of vessel.

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