Morning at James Watt Dock

Popped down to Greenock this morning to get some photos of the Irish vessels coming over.

I believe the 'Lough Foyle' was last here in 2009.

Dredgers 'Lough Foyle' and 'Argus' are going in for some TLC to the dry dock on Monday, and the tug 'Shrove' headed out to sea again.

A beautiful sunny morning and actually quite warm too which was a bonus.

 'Lough Foyle' Arrives

 Entering the James Watt Dock

 Canting in James Watt Dock

 Canting in James Watt Dock

Argus Arriving

Approaching the James Watt Dock

 Argus

Approaching the James Watt Dock

 Approaching the James Watt Dock

Shrove

Assisting in Berthing

'Alba Explorer' Arrives for the Marina

Enjoying the Good Weather

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

HMS Onyx - Dismantling Progress

Work continues on the dismantling of the submarine 'Oynx'.

It is of course a sad sight, but having witnessed first hand the extent of the rot and decay it's difficult to see what else could have been done.

Any costs for remedial work would I fear have been astronomical and probably could not have been raised.

 Work Continues

On Deck

Laid Bare

 Bow Section

Torpedo Tubes

Beached for Dismantling

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

SD Victoria at Greenock

Serco’s training and support vessel the SD Victoria arrived back in Greenock this morning having sailed up from Gibraltar.

She is one of the largest vessels owned and operated by Serco Marine Services and is currently based at the Great Harbour in Greenock.

Her primary function is to support exercises and military training for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) including transportation of personnel and military equipment.

She was constructed in Romania in 2010 - and is also available for commercial charter.

Bridge

Bridge

Bridge Area

Bridge Area

Afterdeck

Helicopter Deck

Below Decks

Rest Room

Below Decks

Spiral Staircase

Hanger Area

Afterdeck

Engine Room

Engine Room

Hanger

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

Strathaven Balloon Festival

After last nights trip through to Strathaven for the 'Evening Glow' event I ventured through early this morning to see the balloons in flight.

This is one of these events I've had in my bucket list and so glad I went through today.

Major fun chasing around watching the various balloons and trying to anticipate where they may eventually land.

Everyone I spoke with was very helpful and friendly and obviously enjoying the day.

The weather of course makes or breaks an event like this and this morning we were blessed.

 Flying Low

In Flight

 Rix Balloon

Flying High

 Colourful

Happy back on Earth

Down to Earth


Having enjoyed the morning session so much, it was back through again for the evening session.

I wasn't disappointed as you can see from the photographs.

 Crowds in the Park

 Preparing for Lift Off

Large Crowd Enjoying the Spectacle


Flaming Hot Balloon

 Dragging

 Vivid Colours

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

Strathaven Balloon Festival - 'Evening Glow' Event

I went through to Strathaven Balloon Festivals's 'Evening Glow' event tonight.

Wasn't sure what to expect but knew getting quality images would be a challenge.

Positioned myself a bit too close to the action I think, though a couple of good shots resulted.

The event is quite a short one so not much time to get in to different locations for a different perspective. The crowd was quite large too so getting a clear view wasn't so easy.

Anyway, here's the fruits of my labours.

 Ballons Inflate

Lighting Up to the Music

Inflated

 Warming up

 Nice and Bright

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