Isle of Bute - Away day

Today was a planned visit to the Isle of Bute.

Although the weather was not ideal for photographs, this was to be the best day of the week so of we went over and crossed our fingers.

Started foggy but cleared a little by the time we berthed at Rothesay.

A drive around the island and tried to take in some places and sites of interest.

Darkness comes in soon at this time of year so opted to take the earlier ferry back to Gourock.

Night shots were considered, and if it had been a crisper evening we may have stayed a little longer.

Fog Well Settled in at Gourock

Aboard the 'Coruisk' as we Head to Rothesay

 Woods at Mount Stuart

 Woods at Mount Stuart

Mount Stuart

 Kilchattan Bay Harbour 

Isle of Bute

Isle of Bute

St Blane's Chapel

Isle of Bute 

 Ben near Plan Farm 

Rugged Cross at St Colmac's Church 


St Colmac's Church 


Port Bannatyne


Rothesay Harbour Before We Depart


Almost Home

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

Viking Event at Rothesay Castle

It was a trip across the Rothesay on the Isle of Bute today on the ferry 'MV Bute'.

The weather was exceptional for this time of year and in the warm sunshine it was hard to believe we were only days before October begins.

Historic Scotland were running one of their most excellent events at the castle - the first in ten years - so it was a special day.

The Viking longboat started proceedings by making a landing on the beach.

This was followed by a parade of the group members who had set up an encampment in the castle.

Once at the castle - which was extremely busy - we watched the Scottish soldiers defend the castle from a fierce Viking attack on the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Largs.

 A tour of the encampment demonstrated the day to day life of the Norse and Scots people of 1263.

 We were entertained with combat displays and weapon demonstrations relating to the Norse invasion.

 Unfortunately as the last ferry was at 19:45 I missed the torch lit parade at 19.30, not to mention the hog roast and firework display on the promenade later in the evening.

I'll be adding more images later to my Blog if you care to visit again next week.

 War Memorial - 'The Angel'  in Rothesay

Viking Battle at Rothesay Castle


Carol Hard at Work at Rothesay Castle

 Kids Join in at the Viking Event in Rothesay Castle

 Viking Longboat Landing at Rothesay

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

Fure Nord - Tanker Berthing

The 'Fure Nord'  arriving at Rothesay Dock near Glasgow.

She was safely berthed with the aid of the tugs.

Nice bright sunshine in between showers but still unseasonably cold.

 Fure Nord - Off Rothesay Dock

Ayton Cross Assisting Fure Nord - Off Rothesay Dock

Bruiser leads Fure Nord with Ayton Cross taking up the rear - Off Rothesay Dock

Fure Nord

 

 Tug Bruiser - Well Keeled Over

Fure Nord - In Rothesay Dock

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

A Wee Day Trip to Rothesay

A wee trip across to Rothesay today - weather not too bad - but not bright either.

Interestingly there were porpoises or dolphins accompanying us on the ferry trip from Wemyss Bay.

A nice 'fish and chips' from the Zavaroni fish restaurant was excellent and very good value.

Interesting conversation with 'Nancy' from the Isle of Bute Sailing Club as she told us all about the now defunct 'Lido' which is visible from the club.

Thoroughly enjoyable day, and may return when the summer weather arrives.

 Winter Gardens

 Solitaire - Pipe Layer

 West Coast Buses

Zavaroni's Cafe

Palm Trees

MV Argyle at Rothesay Pier

Rothesay Castle

 Coat of Arms

 Rothesay Pavilion

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