James Watt Dock - Today

Having been delayed, I missed the Waverley going in to Dry Dock, but held on and was rewarded with a bit of activity in the area.

Also had a chat with Gerry and Graeme, having briefly spoke with John and another Gerry.

All in all, not a bad morning.

 SD Impulse Leaves James Watt Dock

Svitzer Milford Arrives at Harbour

 Fishing Boats Returns

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Russian Arctic Convoy Veterans Honoured - Edinburgh

30 Russian Arctic Convoy Veterans from around Scotland were presented with a medal to mark the 65th anniversary of the end of World War 2.

The veterans - who transported vital supplies to Russia - were honoured at a ceremony in Edinburgh, and I had the privilege of accompanying my friend George Gray to see this historic event.

Winston Churchill once described these convoys as the most dangerous of the war.

The Consul General of the Russian Federation - Sergey Krutikov - said "It is a great honour for me to carry out the wishes of the President of the Russian Federation and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces and present these medals to these British Russian Convoy veterans."

"The Russians, like the British, have the same warm feelings for their veterans."

 Speeches

 Proud Hero

 Jock Dempster and George Gray

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Faslane - A Quiet Day

I was expecting we may had a few more of the Joint Warrior Exercise ships return.

Weather wasn't great for photos either. Not the best.

 HMS Sutherland (F81) - Type 23 Frigate

 Flags Flying - HMS Iron Duke (F234)

 HMS Iron Duke (F234) - Type 23 Frigate

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Back in Greenock after visiting Gareloch

After the bitter cold at Gareloch, I found myself on the other side of the river in Greenock - just as she was passing.

Ternvik Passes Greenock

Bow Wave

Ternvik - Departs the River Clyde

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Another Trip to the Gareloch

A few vessels returning early from the Joint Warrior exercise  - perhaps due to the volcanic ash disrupting the world's air transport schedules.

French Submarine Perle (S606)

Flying Flags

USS Barry (DDG-52) - Arleigh Burke Class Guided Missile Destroyer

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River Clyde - Busy as Ever

While catching some images of the Grand Princess - another two vessels were on the same stretch of the river.

Whitchampion Departs

Flinterforest heading to the Ocean Terminal - Greenock

 Flinterforest passes Grand Princess

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Grand Princess - Greenock

Today saw the start of the Cruise Liner season with the visit of the Grand Pincess as she arrived from Bermuda. This would be her only call here this year.

She then continued her crusie as she headed to Dublin.

 Grand Princess Departs Greenock

 Grand Princess - complete with  extra large TV Screen

 Grand Princess Leaving the Clyde

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Under Construction - BAE Shipyard

Grabbed this pic in between shooting the 'Night is Day' movie stills.

 (HMS) Duncan - under construction

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Shooting - 'Night is Day' - Screen Test - Day Two

Today was the second day of filming some screen test scenes prior to starting filming proper.

We started at the 'Glasgow Harbour' area where again the wind was cold, and then to an 'underpass' for another scene. Enjoyed some heckling from the local youths who were intent on being a nuisance. Such is life.

We then proceeded across the river to shoot our final scene of the day in an alley close by a local pub - where we again enjoyed the local 'hospitality'.

Lee (Make-up Artist) and Chris (Jason)

 Kirsty (Lena) and Chris (Jason)

 Shooting the "Lena is met by Sara" Scene

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Shooting - 'Night is Day' - Screen Test - Day One

Our first day of filming the screen tests for the movie took place in the area around the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow - with their kind permission.

The weather was 'Baltic' for this time of year, but nevertheless we put on a brave face and had a very enjoyable time, and some useful experiences.

 Kenny (PC Douglas) and Steven (DCI Mullan)

 Clare Deep in Concentration

 Crew at Work

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HMS Vanguard Departs the Clyde

Out shopping in Greenock when I saw her leave the Gareloch - at some speed.

Headed off to the Cloch to get ready to catch a couple of pics.

 HMS Vanguard off Cloch Point

HMS Vanguard passing Dunoon

HMS Vanguard Departing

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Variety on River Clyde Today

Went shopping - and a quick turn down to Greenock brought this activity.

Glad I went down.

 Pilot Cutter - "Toward"

"Rodau" - Cargo Ship - Glasgow Bound
 

Jet Ski

Twin Lasers off Greenock Esplanade

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Just one today

Had a 'relax' day today after the busy weekend with all the naval activity.

"Clyde Spirit" - Heads to Faslane from Greenock

 "Clyde Spirit" - Pilot Cutter

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Has Summer Arrived?

Well summer hasn't really arrived, but we've had a good few days of sunshine.

Despite my plans to head to the Cloch Lighthouse to get some Naval ship pics, woke early and thought - 'what the hey' - and headed to the Gareloch.

It started well, but got very cold for a period and then get really warm.

USS Vicksburg (CG69) - Ticonderoga Class Guided Missile Cruiser

Headed up to Glen Mallan to catch the USS Vicksburg depart and the sunshine there was a joy.

 Pier at Finnart, Loch Long

Then back to the Gareloch - down the other side this time - as the sun had moved round somewhat and the lighting was more favourable.

 HMS Torbay - Friendly Crew

Met up with a few of the 'usual suspects' - some from the shipping forums - and the fat was well and truly chewed.

Headed for home after the USS Pittsburgh (submarine) had made her way up the loch to berth.

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Relaxing Afternoon at Gareloch

The shipping at Faslane continues to be fairly busy with the JMC exercise about to start.

Met up with a few like minded friends, and with the sun on our necks, and chewing the fat between pictures, we had a thoroughly good afternoon.

 Ark Royal - Departs Faslane Naval Base

 Dutch Submarine - Dolfijn (S808) - Arriving at Faslane

 Ark Royal - Harrier on Ramp

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Elderslie - Visit to Catch Steam Train Tour

Popped up to Elderslie this morning to catch one the the steam railway tours passing through.

Was lucky enough to also catch a shot of a gleaming Bentley replica car in the warm sunshine.

 45407 and 44871 - Stanier Black 5's Pull in to the old Elderslie Station location

Bentley Replica Wedding Car

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Military Exercise - Faslane Naval Base

Spent most of the day over in the Faslane area taking pictures of the many warships coming in to Faslane Naval Base, before they depart to take part in Joint Marine Exercise up the West Coast of Scotland.

USS Laboon (DDG-58) - Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer

USS Barry (DDG-52) - Arleigh Burke Class Guided Missile Destroyer

USS Kauffman - Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate

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Easter Sunday

Nice sunny Easter Sunday - if a bit cold. Went down to Tower Hill in Gourock.

Looking towards Greenock

Easter Flowers

 Looking down to Gourock

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