Beacon Arts Centre - Open Day

Today was the open day for the general public to view Greenock's new Beacons Art Centre.

The Beacon is the replacement for the Greenock Arts Guild Theatre.

Although he external design has come under much local criticism - rightly in my opinion - it has to be said the the interior is a triumph and should prove a great asset to the area.

 Upstairs Foyer

 Rehearsal Room

 Beacon Arts Centre Auditorium

Backstage Tour
 

 Main Foyer

Beacon Arts Centre Auditorium and Stage
 

Bar
 

 Cafe and Bar Area

Beacon Arts Centre

 Studio

Backstage
 

Dressing Room
 

Beacon Arts Centre Auditorium

 Leaving the Beacon Arts Centre on a Dreich Night

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

Inverclyde Christmas Lights

Well here we are - the first day of 2013.

I wanted to get a few images under my belt to start the year, and have been planning on getting a few of the Christmas lights in Inverclyde.

So here we are, two birds with one stone so to speak.

Christmas Lights in Port Glasgow

Christmas Lights in Port Glasgow

Christmas Lights in Port Glasgow

 Christmas Lights in Port Glasgow

Christmas Lights in Port Glasgow

Christmas Lights in Clyde Square - Greenock

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

Glasgow with Friends

Belgian friends were having a stopover in Glasgow on their way home to Bremen from Skye so I was really pleased to have the opportunity to meet up with them and enjoy their company.

After a bit of shopping we went to see the Christmas lights at George Square and then on for a meal.

While in George Square a wedding party were taking to the carousel and the bride and bridesmaid very kindly posed for a few quick shots.

All in all a very nice time.

 Bride and Bridesmaid

 Happy Bride on the Carousel

Friends at the Christmas Lights

 Entertainment at the Christmas Lights

 Entertainment at the Christmas Lights

Christmas Rides

Skating on Ice at the Christmas Lights in George Square

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

Meet Maya

After a week of waiting we got the green light to collect Maya from the rescue centre at Milton.

Having sadly lost our dog Misty some weeks earlier we had been undecided on taking on another.

Misty was unique in so many ways and a heartbreak to have lost her.

Passing Milton one day we decided to put our name in and let fate decide.

Then we got the call and went over to see Maya. Love at first sight - but she had of course to get checks and some veterinary attention.

She settled in almost immediately - albeit she has a tummy problem and not yet house trained.

She is five months old and a full German Shepherd.

She does need some feeding as a bit underweight but the tummy issue means we can't overload her with food.

We are looking forward to many happy hours with Maya once she has settled in, though already a family member with her friendly disposition.

My New Home?

This is My Christmas Cracker
 

Enjoying a Chew

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

MV Hallaig Launches from Fergusons Shipyard

The 'MV Hallaig' was today launched from Ferguson's shipyard in Port Glasgow, Inverclyde.

The launch of a ship is always an exciting time, but more so these days as there are so few built on Clydeside.

She is the first of two cutting edge ‘hybrid’ ferries - the first of its kind in the world - and will be operated my Caledonian MacBrayne.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had the privilege of launching the vessel at 2 o'clock this afternoon.

The shipyard workers were on hand to ensure a safe passage as she entered the river, and it was with much pride that they saw the fruition of their many hours of skilled labour.

As always, the visitors were made to feel most welcome at this shipyard.

Crowd Begins to Gather Prior to the Hallaig Launch

Checks Before the Launch

 Hallaig Launch - Ferguson's Shipyard

Yard Workers - Ferguson's Shipyard

Launch Workers - Ferguson's Shipyard

Cheering Crowds at the Hallaig Launch

Final Burning at the Hallaig Launch

Nicola Sturgeon Who Launched the Hallaig at Ferguson's Shipyard

 Final Work Taking Place - Ferguson's Shipyard

 A Wet Bottom at the Hallaig Launch 

Hallaig Launches from Ferguson's Shipyard

 Nicola Sturgeon with 19 year old apprentice Jill Hughes after the Launch
  
More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - and are also better resolution.

Mykali as she passes Greenock

The bulk carrier Mykali left KGV docks in Glasgow around noon and headed on down past Greenock on her way to the open sea.

Svitzer tugs Ayton Cross, and Anglegarth assisted as she navigated the upper reaches of the Clyde.

Also managed a few images from the Easy India harbour as I awaited the Mykali's passage.

Boyne Vale - East India Harbour
 

 Sea Venture - CN-779 - East India Harbour

Boyne Vale - Deck Gear

 Mykali and Ayton Cross

Ayton Cross and  Mykali

Mykali - Approaching Greenock

Mykali - Off East India Harbour
 

Mykali - Bulk Carrier 

Anglegarth and Mykali

Mykali, Ayton Cross, and Anglegarth

Mykali and Anglegarth
 

Mykali Passing Greenock

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