A spectacular miniature copy of a historical steamship has found a new home thanks to a model enthusiast.

Bill Peberdy, from Poynton, spent six years lovingly hand-crafting a scale model of the 110ft steamship Sir Walter Scott.

The model which stands at 4.5ft long is made from no-less than 5,493 individual pieces.

It was created by retired dentist Bill and his friend the late Bill Sutton more than 20 years ago.

But now Bill, 86, has donated the model to the Loch Katrine Visitor Experience at Trossachs Pier, where the SS Sir Walter Scott has embarked from for the last 114 years, making it one of the world’s oldest steamships still running.

Bill, a retired dentist and grandfather of three, was inspired to craft a copy after he was “completely bowled over” by the steamship during a trip to the Trossachs in 1991.

He said: “I’ve been modelling since I was a teenager and made dozens of planes, motorcycles and boats from kits. But deep within every modeller is the urge to create something unique and original. Our efforts were far more than just wanting to make a model of a ship. Bill and I were motivated by considerable affection for the vessel and indeed her crew, and made us determined to make as detailed and accurate a model as we possibly could. We built the model from the original plans from the National Maritime Museum. Its hull required planking of 275ft of ¼ x 1/8 inch obechi wood cut to length and secured by fine brass nails. All in all, the model is made up of 5,493 pieces. It cost us £470 in materials but her true value is priceless. I am pleased to see her go to a good home, indeed her rightful home, and hope that very many visitors to Loch Katrine will enjoying seeing her.”

The model remained at Bill’s home on London Road South until earlier this year when his family suggested it be offered to Loch Katrine.

Despite being partially blind Bill managed to repair the artefact and it now at Trossachs Pier, where she will be placed on display next Spring.

Gordon Allan, managing director of the steamship, said the team were ‘thrilled’ by the gift.

He said: “It is an incredibly intricate model and the detail is fascinating, all the more so as it depicts the steamship as she was in the late 20th century. It is now wonderful to see little sister united with her older, bigger sibling.”