HMS Bulwark - Glasgow Departure

After her weekend berthed at the Shieldhall Quay in Glasgow HMS Bulwark departed this morning.

After the trip upriver in heavy rain it was with relief we finally got a break in the weather.

All went smoothly as she was taken off the wall and canted.

Off she went to sea for her next adventure.


Berthed at Shieldhall Quay


Taking the Ropes

 Svitzer Tugs Assisting

 A Busy Bridge

Canting Begins


 Taking the Strain

Communications on the Bridge


Passing Braehead

 Passing Rothesay Dock

Titan Crane in the Background


 Ropes Slipped

 Head On

Passing Bowling 

Passing Dumbarton

Heading Out to Sea

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

Bo'ness Railway Visit

A while since I'd been though to Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway but there were a few attractions this weekend.

Class J94 (68007) had her first outing in her new colour of black so that was the first treat of the day.

'Royal Scots Grey' diesel locomotive (55 022) was having her final run before she heads down to be stabled at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and was in the guise of 'Pinza' (55 007) so that was another treat on the day.

As always a nice friendly welcome by the volunteers and train crews, and the slightest whisper of a special guest putting in an appearance later in the month. Nothing confirmed as yet but we live in hope.

Hoping my guess is correct, and if so I'll be back through for yet another treat.

 Class J94 (68007) at Bo'ness Station

Class J94 Departing Bo'ness Station

'Royal Scots Grey' diesel locomotive (55 022) at Birkhill

 'Royal Scots Grey' diesel locomotive (55 022)

 'Morayshire' at Bo'ness

 Bo'ness Station

Class J94 (68007) Taking Water

 Bo'ness Station

Bo'ness Station Yard

 Class 47 diesel locomotive (47643) at Bo'ness 

Birkhill Station Waiting Room

Birkhill Station

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

HMS Bulwark - Glasgow Visit

HMS Bulwark is one of Royal Navy's Albion-Class assault ships and is designed to put Royal Marines ashore by both air and sea.

She celebrated her 11th Birthday yesterday, and arrived in the River Clyde this morning where she  travelled up to Glasgow.

She will be docked there over the weekend and depart on Monday.

A bitterly cold morning but worth the very early start to see her arrive.

She is an impressive looking vessel.

 Approaching Braehead


Passing Braehead

Landing Craft

Upper Decks

 Bound for Shieldhall Quay

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

PS Waverley at Greenock for Pre-Season Maintenance

The paddle steamer PS Waverley journeyed down from Glasgow this morning to Greenock.

She went to Custom House Quay first, then was towed up the the Garvel dry dock for maintenance prior to the start of the summer season.

As always she looked a class act and we are fortunate to have her on the Clyde.

Looking forward to seeing her on her many cruises this year.

Passing Langbank


Berthing at Custom House Quay

 Biter and Beaver Bay Tow Waverley to Dry Dock

 Pilot at Work

 Ready to Begin Work

Biter

 Entering Garvel Dry Dock

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

Busy Day - Military Shipping in Scotland

Early start and drove over to Glen Mallan in time to see HMS Iron Duke arrive in lovely sunshine.

A quick drive down to the Gareloch and lucky enough to catch the German U-Boat as she came back in to Faslane after the Joint Warrior exercise.

Time for home and pleased to have caught both vessels in pleasant weather.

Decided to take another run across in the afternoon and again was lucky as an American submarine was departing.

Transpired that she was the USS Dallas - the submarine featured in the movie "The Hunt for Red October".

A very early build of the Los Angeles class and very probably one we'll not see here again - but then who really knows.

 Arriving at Loch Long

Bridge Activity


 Tug Assistance

 Helicopter in Hanger

 Approaching the Jetty

Beautiful Setting at Glen Mallon

U 34 Heading for Faslane Naval Base

Navigating the Gareloch

 Faslane Bound

Busy Office

Heading Out 

Bound for Sea

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