The Museum advertised for tenders for the deconstruction in the autumn of 2009. There are two levels of deconstruction. The first requires the preservation of the bow, stern and a mid-ships frame. The second requires the preservation of examples of the materials used in the construction. Companies were required to make tender submissions based on both levels of deconstruction. Tenders were received in November 2009 and the Museum has since made an application to the Scottish Government for the funding of the deconstruction.

The Museum has always expressed a desire to see the vessel saved but is equally concerned at the potential loss of the national maritime collections it holds. As the contingent liabilities associated with the use of the slipway have grown the Museum will only entertain a fully funded scheme to remove the vessel to another location. The scheme must guarantee a removal date.

In January 2010 the Museum received a proposal from the Clipper Ship 'City of Adelaide' Limited, Adelaide, Australia. The proposal has been accepted as being technically feasible and the organisation has made a planning application to North Ayrshire Council to remove the vessel. Clipper Ship 'City of Adelaide' Limited have not provided evidence that they have the funds to complete the project but after receiving assurances from the Scottish Government the Museum has temporarily halted the deconstruction plan to give the group time to put funding in place. The Museum will not extend the halt in the deconstruction beyond the end of May 2010.

The Museum has not received any other detailed proposals for the preservation of the complete vessel.