MV Bute - Dry Dock for Winter Maintenance

The CalMac ferry 'MV Bute' went in to the Garvel dry dock late this morning for her winter maintenance.

I was a little late in arriving as I'd expected her to wait for a bit more tide, but managed to get a few images just the same.

'MV Bute' entering Garvel Dry Dock

 'MV Bute' entering Garvel Dry Dock

 'MV Bute' in the Garvel Dry Dock

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

Zombie Night Run in Helensburgh

Helensburgh was the location for a Zombie Night Run tonight.

For personal reasons I've decided not to publish any images.

However if I photographed you or your team - and you wish a copy for personal use only - then please contact me direct - Click Here

Knapps Loch - Near Kilmacolm

An early start again this morning to try and catch a worthwhile sunrise at Knapps Loch near Kilmacolm.

Carefully walked across the field dodging the areas where the cows had been I arrived at the edge of the loch. Cold of course but not yet in to the bitter frosty mornings.

The Loch is artificial and was created in the early 20th century by the local angling club.

 It has a number of small islands and a small boathouse with landing stage - all kept in very good and neat condition.

After my initial shots I walked around the side looking for a variation of potential images.

There were numerous spider webs adorning the gorse bushes but what little wind that was blowing was enough to make sharp images difficult in the early light.

I feel rewarded with the morning light and hope my images reflect this.

 Knapps Loch at Sunrise - Near Kilmacolm

 Knapps Loch

 Spiders' Webs

Sun Rising at Knapps Loch

Trees at Knapps Loch

Knapps Loch Near Kilmacolm

Early Morning at Knapps Loch Near Kilmacolm

Early Autumn Sun at Knapps Loch

Knapps Loch

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

Sunday's Adventures

A noon start as I headed across to Garelochhead safe in the knowledge that a Diesel locomotive was due to go through the station.

A little early on her arrival but fortunately so was I, so that worked out well.

Then up to Glasgow for a visit to the Riverside Museum and to the Glennlee Tall Ship exhibit.

A nice - fairly priced - bowl of soup aboard was very welcome and the service was friendly and efficient.

All in all, not a bad afternoon and now plenty of images to edit.

West Coast Railways Class 47 Diesel Locomotive (47760) at Garelochhead Station 

 Class 47 Diesel Locomotive (47760) Climbs Uphill from Garelochhead

Eastern Scottish Vintage Bus at Riverside Museum

 Bowsprit of the Glenlee Tall Ship

 Cargo Hold

 Poop Deck Accommodation

Riverside Museum

Reflections

High Cycles

Old Street Scene

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

MOD Festival Torchlight Procession in Paisley

The Mòd Phàislig began in style tonight with a torchlit procession down Paisley High Street - led by the Greater Glasgow Police Scotland Pipe Band, and followed by local schoolchildren to brighten up the occasion.

The procession stopped at intervals as we were entertained with music, singing, country dancing, the telling of a witchcraft tale, and eventually ending at the Abbey.

There the lady Provost gave words of welcome and expressed her delight that this event was being staged in Paisley.

It is anticipated that more than 8,000 people will visit Paisley as it hosts Scotland’s flagship celebration of traditional and Gaelic culture for the first time in it's history.

Stilt Walker Prepares for the Procession

Brightening Up the Occasion

Greater Glasgow Police Scotland Pipe Band Lead the Torchlit Procession


Local Schoolchildren Participate in the Torchlit Procession


Greater Glasgow Police Scotland Pipe Band Lead the Torchlit Procession

 A Smiling Face Shows Enjoyment at the Torchlit Procession

Torchlit Procession for the MOD in Paisley

 Scottish Country Dancers Entertain at the Torchlit Procession

Everyone Seems to be Enjoying the Torchlit Procession 

Accordion Music in the Square

Local Schoolchildren Join in the Torchlit Procession

A Tale of Witchcraft at the Torchlit Procession 

Lady Provost Welcomes the Torchlit Procession 

Torchlit Procession for the MOD in Paisley 

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

Joint Warrior Military Exercise 132 - Departures

Another very early morning rise to get across to Glen Mallan (Mallon) to photograph the first vessel of the day - HMS Monmouth - the 'Black Duke'.

Drove through the heavy rain in the hope that despite the forecast things may be better than anticipated.

On arrival at Glen Mallan it was not only still raining, but very dark with low cloud. Hardly ideal.

Still, we persevere and after she berthed I headed on down to Rhu to catch the outbounds from Faslane.

Met up with a couple of the regulars so we chatted while we waited for the first to depart.

Lo and behold as the first one came down the Gareloch the sun actually shone and the clouds lifted.

After getting some images I headed to Roseneath as the sun was now over that side and got the Norwegian submarine as she left.

Then back across to Helensburgh to meet up with friends from Morecambe and a bite of lunch.

Then back to Roseneath for the two American Virginian class submarines - one outbound and one inbound.

Then a dash back up to Glen Mallan (Mallon) to catch HMS Monmouth as she departed, but arrived too late to get her coming off the berth.

A quick u-turn and up to Portincaple to get a long shot from the top of the hill.

Finally it's time to head home and get Maya her long awaited walk before darkness sets in.

HMS Monmouth (F235) Approaching Glen Mallan at Speed


HMS Monmouth (F235)


HMS Monmouth (F235) berthing at Glen Mallan


HMS Monmouth (F235) berthing at Glen Mallan


'HMS Monmouth' (F235) Berthing at Glen Mallan Assisted by 'Anglegarth' and 'SD Reliable'


French Frigate 'La Motte-Picquet' (D645) Approaching Rhu Spit

French Frigate 'La Motte-Picquet' (D645) Outward Bound

HMS Enterprise (H88) Passing Rhu Spit

HMS Enterprise (H88)

HMS Blyth (M111) Approaching Rhu Spit

HMS Brocklesby (M33) Approaching Rhu Spit

HMS Cattistock (M31) Approaching Rhu Spit

HMS Bangor (M109) Approaching Rhu Spit

KNM Utaer (S303) Passing Rhu Spit Outbound

Virginia Class USN Submarine Outbound

Another Virginia Class USN Submarine Inbound

Virginia Class USN Submarine

HMS Monmouth (F235) Heading Out to Sea


Joint Warrior 2013 (132) Video

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