Early Morning Train Haul

There had been an excursion running yesterday from Whitby to Gourock.

The train had stabled in Gourock overnight and due to head back (empty) to Bo'ness.

Scheduled time was 08:00 so an early start for a Sunday morning to get there for a few images.

Locomotive engines were running when I arrived and the drivers hoped to get away as soon as they could.

They left about fifteen minutes early.

 Engines Running at Gourock Station

Preparing to Leave Gourock

Class 47 Diesel Locomotive (47832)


On Her Way


Taking the Rear


Bound for Bo'ness

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.com - better resolution and options to licence.

MV Catriona - Launch Day

Today we witnessed the launch of the MV Catriona - the first ship built since Jim McColl rescued the yard when things looked very dark indeed.

Since the rescue we have seen investment in infrastructure, and the rebuilding continues.

Talking to the yard workers it was clear to see that they were happy with the new scenario and the future looks and feels good.

The weather threatened prior to the launch but pleased to say we were blessed with some sunshine at the right time.

When in service she can carry 150 passengers, 23 cars, or two HGVs. She is the third ferry built at Fergusons utilising a hybrid system of diesel and battery power.

After sea trials we expect to see her in service in the summer of next year.

 Piper Plays

 Getting ready for the Launch

 Crowds start to Gather

 Rainbow

 Waiting for the Launch

 Bottom is Wet

 A Loud Cheer


In She Goes

 Local school kids enjoy this piece of History

Ready for the next One

 The man who saved the shipyard

 Launch Party

 Best View?

Battler Assists to Berth

Jim McColl with the shipyard Workers

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.com - better resolution and options to licence.

Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway

A nice day trip through to Bo'ness today.

This was the first day of the trains running this season at Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway.

National Coal Board (NCB) locomotive No 19 had her first trip out after the winter renovations and looked great.

Fortunate to see the 'Royal Scotsman' diesel locomotive as she departed, and also diesel locomotive 20 020 stationed at the platform in Bo'ness.

Birkhill station has had a makeover and change of colour scheme to the style of the 'Caledonian Railway' and the volunteers are to be commended for their hard work.

All in all a rewarding day and nice to see some familiar faces while chatting to the volunteers.


 NCB No19 approaching Kinneil Halt

 Diesel Locomotive '47851' at Bo'ness Station

 Diesel Locomotive 20 020 at  Bo'ness Station

 Steamin'

Bo'ness Station


Platform on Birkhill Station

 Birkhill Station

Timetable at Birkhill Station

 NCB No19 arriving at Birkhill Station

Arriving at Birkhill Station

 Smoke and Steam


Ready for Departure from Birkhill Station

 Uncoupling

Driver of NCB No19 at Bo'ness Station

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

Winter on Greenock Hills

Managed to grab a few shots while walking my dog Maya in the hills behind Greenock.

A cold day but rewarding walk for both myself and Maya.

 Reservoir No 5

Reservoir No 4

Reservoir No 4

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - and are also better resolution.