Saturday, 7 November 2009

Myths & Legends Festival - Greenock, Inverclyde


Greenock's third  Myths & Legends Festival drew to a close with a fantastic firework display at the Battery Park.

This was preceded with 'Big Man Walking' closing of his tour off the Inverclyde District.

Weather started a bit wet, but I'm pleased to say it dried up in time for everyone to enjoy the fireworks.


Fireworks


More Fireworks


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

Greenock & District Model Railway Club Exhibition, Inverclyde


Greenock & District Model Railway Club held their 24th Annual Exhibition  on 7/8 November in Greenock Town Hall.

The event was opened by Stuart McMillan MSP.

As usual there was a good mix of railway layouts and model ships & aircraft were also featured, with trade stands to tempt the enthusiast and families who attended.


Greenock Club Chairman Mike Jones with Stuart McMillan MSP


One of the many fantastic layouts


Birds-Eye View of the Centre Layouts

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

Big Man Walking - Gourock, Inverclyde


The 'Big Man' continued his tour of Inverclyde this morning in Gourock.

Started fair again, but rain soon arrived to dampen the spirits.

However - the show must go on - and it did.


Primary School kids sing to the 'Big Man'

 
 Inverclyde Folk Club give their songs to the 'Big Man'



 Our wee fairy yet again braves the elements

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

Friday, 6 November 2009

Big Man Walking - Port Glasgow, Inverclyde

'Big Man Walking' came to Inverclyde today - and best described as awesome.

We were lucky to catch it dry at the start - but the weather let us down badly as the parade was in full swing.

The 'Puppet Lab' created Scotland's first giant puppet - a giant 8 metre high man to walk through the towns and villages of Scotland.

Big Man Walking was a spectacular street event with this gigantic figure, and the atmosphere created was fantastic with everyone old and young joining in and having a great time.



 'BIG' is the word


 The parade makes it way up Princes Street


Gala King & Queen of Port Glasgow meet 'Big Man Walking' in Port Glasgow

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

Thursday, 5 November 2009

Darroch Park, Gourock, Scotland


First partly dry day in a while. Went to Gourock and grabbed a few pics.


 Red Autumn Leaves


 Duck in Pond

 
Autumn Leave

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

Saturday, 31 October 2009

Photography Field Day at Glasgow Botanic Gardens & Kibble Palace


We had a 'Field Day' as part of my 'Digital Photography' class at the  'University of the West of Scotland' - Paisley Campus.

The morning was spent going around the gardens and greenhouses - including the Kibble Palace.

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and benefit from the advice given.


 A Happy Wee Squirrel


 Kibble Palace Dome


 Pigeon Keeps a Watchful Eye on Events

 
Statue in the Kibble Palace

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

Wednesday, 21 October 2009

Defender (HMS) - Launched at BVT Yard in Govan Today


The launch of the Royal Navy's latest anti-air warfare destroyer took place this afternoon at 15:20

The Type 45 ship - named Defender - took to the water at BVT Surface Fleet's Govan shipyard.

Defender is the fifth of a fleet of six destroyers to be built, and is the eighth ship to bear the name.

The ceremony was broadcast live to the Transport Museum in Glasgow, where visitors to the museum watched the event on big screens.

The new ship is being affiliated with Glasgow and Exeter, and the launch ceremony was performed by Lady Massey, wife of Vice Admiral Sir Alan Massey

(HMS) Defender is due to come into service next year


Crowds start to gather


Balloons and Fireworks go off as she slides down the slipway


Defender Hits the Water

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

Monday, 19 October 2009

Queen Mary 2 (QM2) - Firework Display at Greenock


Greenock Esplanade was packed with locals and visitors who made the journey for the departure of Cunard's liner QM2.

They were not disappointed with the late departure as the Firework Display was worth the wait in the damp evening.


 Fireworks Add Atmosphere

 
Splash of Colour

 
Special Occasion for Greenock

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

Queen Mary 2 (QM2) at Greenock

 The Cunard liner Queen Mary 2 made her first visit to Greenock this morning.

She looked awesome as she rounded the bend - and on to the Esplanade at 07:00 this morning.


 Queen Mary 2 - Canting Off Greenock Esplanade 

The Esplanade was busy with on-lookers who had braved the elements to watch the world's biggest ocean liner come up the River Clyde on her first visit.

Queen Mary 2 is the largest ship to have sailed up the Clyde and is currently the largest, longest, tallest, and widest ocean liner built.

The 151,400 ton vessel will depart around 18:30 - with a firework display to send her off on the next leg of her UK tour.


QM2 Docked at Greenock Ocean Terminal

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

Sunday, 18 October 2009

Wemyss Bay Station


Aborted effort to catch a glimpse of the Royal Scotsman luxury train.

Sadly it was a 'no show' on a rather cold and bleak Sunday afternoon.


Blue Loo


Guess Where?


Ornate Roof

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

Saturday, 17 October 2009

Faslane Naval Activity - Departures


Some departures from Faslane Naval Base - mostly after the debrief from the recent Joint Warrior Maritime Exercise


USS Warship Cole DDG 67


USS Warship Ramage DDG 61

 
USS Warship John L Hall FFG 32

 
HMS Shoreham - Minehunter - M112

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

Wednesday, 14 October 2009

Cars of the Stars - Loch Lomond

Visited 'Cars of the Stars Scotland' today. Only opened in July 2009 and they have a collection of vehicles from the world of film and television.


 'The Saint' - Volvo P1800

 
'Herbie' The Love Bug VW Beetle

 
'Back to the Future' - Delorean Time Machine

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

Monday, 12 October 2009

Garelochhead Railway Station - Steam Train Activity


Another wee run over and caught this 'double header'.

Much sunnier today, but unable to get photos as I would have liked as a Diesel was in the way.


Double Header (45407 & 62034 ) come through Garelochhead Station


 62034 Sitting in Garelochhead Station


DR 73934 - Plasser & Theurer 08-16/4x4C100-RT Tamper - Garelochhead

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

Sunday, 11 October 2009

Greenock Cemetery


 A lovely autumn day, so went to our local cemetery which has a host of plant life and subjects to photograph

It's also normally very peaceful - though sadly vandalised by mindless locals


Single Cross


 White Berries


Monument

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

Lochnevis


Cal Mac's ferry - Lochnevis


Arrives at Greenock


Lochnevis enters Garvel dry dock

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

Saturday, 10 October 2009

Diamond On Sea Trials


She was escorted down the River Clyde heading out to open water to conduct her first of many sea trials before she is handed over to the Royal Navy. She will then be called HMS Diamond.


CMS Buster in Attendance Passing Newark Castle, Port Glasgow


Passing Port Glasgow


Passing Greenock Esplanade

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

Newark Walk, Port Glasgow


A few pics while waiting on 'Diamond' to appear from upriver


Looking up river towards Parklea


 Small boats off Newark Castle

 
Looking towards the Pier

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