(HMS) Onyx Update

I was afforded the opportunity to take some images of the interior of the submarine Onyx today.

She is at Roseneath awaiting her fate as various groups attempt to raise money to save her and have her as an exhibit either in Helensburgh or Inverclyde.

I seriously doubt this will happen as the cost of restoration would run in to many millions of pounds.

To my untrained eye the interior was in fair condition but the exterior is a sorry sight I'm sorry to report.

There are numerous examples of the Oberon class already preserved all around the world so with a potential bill of around perhaps £10 million pounds I expect that Onyx will not be saved.

However I hope my photographs give a fair representation to those who will not get aboard one of this class of submarine, and to those who served in her.

Bank of Torpedo Tubes

Control Room

Engine room

Control Room

The Only Way is Up

Wardroom

Senior Chief Petty Officers Accommodation

Looking Aft

Signs of Decay

 Flaking

More Decay

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

Le Boreal and Queen Victoria Cruise Ships

We enjoyed two very early arrivals at Greenock today in the form of the cruise ships 'Le Boreal' and 'Queen Victoria' this morning.

Both arrived earlier than their published schedules just to keep me on my toes.

A misty morning meant the light was poorer than I would have liked but here are a few of the images and hope you enjoy.

Le Boreal Arriving at Greenock


Preparing to Berth at Greenock Ocean Terminal

Queen Victoria Passing Gourock

Approaching Greenock Esplanade

 Canting

Canting

 Berthing at Greenock Ocean Terminal

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

River Clyde Today

Stopped of in Greenock this afternoon and caught a few vessels as they passed.

Some heavy showers but managed a few in between the worst of them.

'Kiki Blofeld' on Her Way to Rhu Marina

 Onego Trader

 Passing Greenock

 Onego Trader - Cargo Ship


Heading Out to Sea

 Causeway - Dredger

 Passing Greenock

Outbound to Dump Soil

 View Across to Argyll hill

Looking Towards Roseneath 

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

Newark Castle in Port Glasgow

Popped in to Newark Castle this afternoon to update my collection of photos.

As always a very warm welcome form Historic Scotland staff and so glad I have my membership.

So here are a few of the images from today.

Lower Corridor

Looking Down

Stairway

Hall

Upper Chamber

Looking Down

Lower Corridor

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

Gold Rover

Yet another early start this morning, but at least the weather was favourable.

First stop Rhu to catch the 'Gold Rover' as she departed to my her way round to Glen Mallan in Loch Long.

Caught 'HMS Tracker' as she transited the Rhu Narrows first.

Then the 'Golden Rover' came through assisted by Serco tugs.

Then the drive up through Garelochhead to Glen Mallan and the waiting game till she arrived.

Rewarded with some nice light and this made it all worthwhile.

 HMS Tracker

 Approaching Rhu Narrows

 Sailing Past

On Her Way

 Arriving at Glen Mallan

 Coming Up Towards the Jetty

 Passing the Shoreline

 Sun Catches Gold Rover

Starting to Berth

Almost Berthed

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

Busy Morning Around the Clyde Area

A very early start to get the cruise ship 'Ruby Princess' on her first visit to the Clyde.

A misty start to the morning so the light was a bit challenging.

Finally she berthed right on time at the Greenock Ocean Terminal.

 'Ruby Princess' Passing Gourock

  'Ruby Princess' Approaching Greenock

 'Ruby Princess' Canting Before Berthing


Easing Back to the Greenock Ocean Terminal

 View from the Greenock Esplanade

..................................................................................................................

The over to Faslane in time to catch a Trafalgar class submarine of the Royal Navy as she headed out on patrol.

A nice cheery wave from the crew was a welcome sight as the headed through the Rhu narrows.

Trafalgar Class Submarine

Tug Escorting

 Cheery Wave from the Crew


Passing Rhu Narrows

 Outward Bound on Patrol

 SD Impetus Passes the Rhu Narrows

..................................................................................................................

Next I caught the 'Gold Rover' as she passed Rhu on her to the oil depot at Faslane.

By now the sun was out, and this presented a few more challenges as bright and contrasty and perhaps not in the best place for her arrival.

Carried on up the Gareloch to get a few shots as she berthed.

'Gold Rover' Arrives

Heading to Faslane

 Heading up the Gareloch

Arriving at her Berth

Tugs Assist to Berth

Anglers on the Rocks

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