HMS Westminster Departs

A wet morning with poor visibilty and rain doesn't make for ideal images.

However, here's a few as HMS Westminster departed the Clyde.

HMS Westminster with Condor Escorting

MOD Police Boat Condor Battles the Waves

HMS Westminster on Her Way

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

Beacon Arts Centre - First Beam of Light Celebration

The delayed launch of hundreds of paper boats made by schoolchildren in Clydeside took place in Greenock today as a homage to internationally renowned Scottish artist George Wyllie. 

The young people, aged 4-18 spent the last six months of 2012 studying the work of the late George Wyllie - one of Inverclyde's most famous residents - as part of the Whysman Festival 2013. 

 The launch of the boats – dubbed The Origami Fleet – was due to take place on Hogmanay last year at The Riverside Museum in Glasgow, but had to be postponed due to high winds. 

 The paper boat fleet, made by school pupils studying the work of the Glasgow born artist as part of the George Wyllie Education Initiative, as launched in the Firth of Clyde just beyond Custom House Quay in Greenock, where Wyllie was based for many years. 

 Pupils from 10 local authorities involved in the initiative attended the launch of the Origami Fleet, which was sent on its way by Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning.  
Following Mr Russell's speech, pupils from four participating primary schools sang George Wyllie's 'Paper Boat Song'. The four schools were from Inverclyde and Renfrewshire.

Lone piper, Stuart McMillan MSP, played The Skye Boat Song as the boats were scattered in the Firth of Clyde ifrom the tug 'Anglegarth'. 

The fire protection boat set of its water cannons as the paper boats hit the water and foghorn blared out over the water. 

The launch was part of the new Beacon Arts Centre’s First Beam of Light celebration, an afternoon of free arts activities, including workshops, exhibitions, street theatre, live debate, bands, choirs and a ceilidh.


Beacon Arts Centre on Custom House Quay from the River

The Question Mark

Schools Choir Entertain

'Swans' Procession

'Swans' Procession


A 'Swan' Bids Farewell

'Swans' Farewell to the Paper Boat Fleet

Paper Boats are Scattered from the Tug 'Anglegarth'.

Foghorn is Sounded Aboard the Anglegarth

A Few of the Origami Paper Fleet

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

MV Lochinvar Launch at Ferguson Shipbuilders

The second of the hybrid diesel electric ferries for CMAL was launched this morning at Ferguson Shipbuilders in Port Glasgow.

The sun shone brightly, though we are still enduring a cold wind even this far in to the year.

As always Fergusons are good hosts to the local community and we are privileged to be able to watch their fine vessels be launched. It is so much part of the Clyde tradition.

Great to see the local school children enjoy the spectacle and witness their future heritage first hand.

The launch was carried out by Patricia Platten - wife of Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) CEO - Guy Platten. 

All went smoothly thought he wind did carry her a bit further upriver than perhaps was anticipated.

However she was soon secured by Clyde Marine's tugs and berthed where she will now be fitted out before sea trials.

 Welcome to the Launch

 Waiting to Go

Deck Party

Pupils and Teachers Await the Launch

Dignitaries at the MV Lochinvar Launch

MV Lochinvar Makes a Splash

Last Minute Checks Before the Launch

Final Manoeuvres to Berth 'MV Lochinvar' 

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

MV Hallaig Launches from Fergusons Shipyard

The 'MV Hallaig' was today launched from Ferguson's shipyard in Port Glasgow, Inverclyde.

The launch of a ship is always an exciting time, but more so these days as there are so few built on Clydeside.

She is the first of two cutting edge ‘hybrid’ ferries - the first of its kind in the world - and will be operated my Caledonian MacBrayne.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had the privilege of launching the vessel at 2 o'clock this afternoon.

The shipyard workers were on hand to ensure a safe passage as she entered the river, and it was with much pride that they saw the fruition of their many hours of skilled labour.

As always, the visitors were made to feel most welcome at this shipyard.

Crowd Begins to Gather Prior to the Hallaig Launch

Checks Before the Launch

 Hallaig Launch - Ferguson's Shipyard

Yard Workers - Ferguson's Shipyard

Launch Workers - Ferguson's Shipyard

Cheering Crowds at the Hallaig Launch

Final Burning at the Hallaig Launch

Nicola Sturgeon Who Launched the Hallaig at Ferguson's Shipyard

 Final Work Taking Place - Ferguson's Shipyard

 A Wet Bottom at the Hallaig Launch 

Hallaig Launches from Ferguson's Shipyard

 Nicola Sturgeon with 19 year old apprentice Jill Hughes after the Launch
  
More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - and are also better resolution.

Greenock Esplanade - Ships Going By

A wee bit of activity as I awaited the departure of the cruise ship 'Ocean Countess'.

The 'Shoalway' is dredging up near Glasgow so is a regular sight passing up and down the river as she dumps the silt from upriver.

Shoalway - Off Greenock Esplanade

 

 Shoalway - Off Greenock Esplanade

Shoalway - Glasgow Bound

 Hoo-Ha - Sailing Yacht

 MOD Police Boat 'Jura' - Greenock Esplanade

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

Launch of (HMS) Dragon - Govan, Glasgow

The 'Dragon' was launched today from the BAE shipyard in Govan, Glasgow.

Weather was poor - no sunshine - just light rain to annoy the camera lens.

Type 45 Royal Navy Destroyer - Dragon

Last Minute Checks

In She Goes

More images are available at - http://www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk/Shipping-Navy-Photographs/HMS-Dragon-Photographs - and are also better resolution.