Along with Fyne Homes director Alan MacDougall, we were being given a 'progress report' into the conversion of the landmark building into 25 homes for the Rothesay-based housing association.

The Dennistoun demolition company is responsible for stripping away all the extraneous material from the inside of the building, while maintaining the structure's facade so that the external appearance will remain the same when the interior work is complete.

And immediately on joining John and Alan on their inspection, we were transported back 32 years to our three weeks of jury service in the building - and could not believe how small it looks without furnishings or plaster.

"It looks as if there have been various extensions added over the years," said John. "We keep finding bricked up fireplaces and windows in strange places.

"The wall parallel to Watergate must have been an external wall with a two-storey building added behind it later.

"It's such an unusual building that it was very difficult to project costs and how long it will take, but we are ahead of schedule and will relax a little over the coming weekend.

"The central spiral staircase and domed window will be retained - when the whole restoration job is finished it will be a superb asset for Rothesay."

Moving to the High Street side of the building, which is causing so much interest to passers-by, John explained that the facade is being held by 'whalers,' rather like large pieces of Meccano and cement - looking to the layman like a broken leg, pinned in place.

Alan said: "This is such an important building and in a pivotal place in Rothesay town centre.

"It was the council's problem, and now it is ours, but we were lucky to secure funding in last year's budget - there are new subsidy rules now which would have made it much more difficult.

"We are also grateful to Argyll and Bute Council for topping up the funding. We are looking to bring the job in on time and on budget."

Fyne Homes' record in Rothesay is certainly an impressive one, with eye-catching new homes erected on time and on budget, but their latest development is by some distance their most ambitious project so far.

When completed, the one-, two- and three-bed flats will be sold under the Scottish Government's LIFT scheme (Low-cost Initiative for First Time Buyers), aimed at helping those on low to moderate incomes to gain a foothold on the property ladder.