Birds at RSPB - Lochwinnoch

Went up to the RSPB centre near Lochwinnoch for a few hours this morning.

Let me play a bit with my recent lens purchase.

Also nice to meet up with a few of the regulars in the hide.

 Chaffinch

Great Spotted Woodpecker

 Whooper Swan

 Jackdaw

Robin

 Robin

Goldfinch

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Robin

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

HMS Grimsby Returns from Deployment

The Royal Navy minesweeper 'HMS Grimsby' returned from operational deployment early this morning.

She went alongside the 'SD Northern River' for about an hour while families of the crew arrived and embarked to meet their loved ones.

She then departed and made the trip across the river and carried on up to Faslane Naval Base in the Gareloch.

It was good to see that the families can enjoy their Christmas together.

 Berthing Before Sunrise

Alongside

First Family Members Arrive

HMS Grimsby

 HMS Grimsby

Alongside

Police Boat 'Condor' on Standby

Preparing to Escort

Alongside

 Families Arrive by Coach

A Helping Hand

Embarking Prior to Sailing

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

A Busy Garvel and James Watt Dock

After yesterday's postponement the Garvel dry dock today saw the MV Finlaggan and the SD Warden exit, and the Burhou I come in for maintenance.

It was a great day and almost looked tropical, and the temperatures were fair giving some warmth in the sunshine.

This was reflected in the number of people who appeared to watch the comings and goings around the docks.

Nice to see as it is their heritage, even though the river is quiet by the standards of yesteryear.

 Bruiser assists the MV Finlaggan


Enjoying the Sun on the Finlaggan

 Sliding in to the James Watt Dock


Deck Crew

 Battler Takes the Stern

 Red Hats

The Finlaggan Safely Berthed - the Bruiser Now Departs

Tugs heading Back to Victoria Harbour


SD Warden Exists the Garvel


Outward Bound for Sea Trials

Displaying Her new Colour Scheme


Off We Go

'Burhou I' Arriving

Entering the Garvel Dry Dock

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

West Highland Line - The Great Marquess

Today saw the first steam train of the season head to Fort William.

This was the 'Great Britain V' tour with the Great Marquess - 61994 - locomotive pulling.

She had a few difficulties before she arrived at Crianlarich.

I believe the problem was with the coal as the locomotive was fine and steps were taken to rectify before she departed Crianlarich - about an hour late.

After braving a trek to the hills beyond Tyndrum a few images were taken as she crossed the viaduct.

 The Great Marquess (61994) - Approaching Crianlarich

 The Great Marquess (61994) - Approaching Crianlarich

 The Great Marquess (61994) - Crianlarich Station

  The Great Marquess (61994) - Crianlarich Station

 All Abroad the Great Marquess (61994) - Crianlarich Station

 

  The Great Marquess (61994) - Crossing the Viaduct

 The Great Marquess (61994) - Heading to Fort William

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