USNS Willam McLean at Hunterston in Scotland

USNS William McLean (T-AKE-12) - American supply ship arriving and berthing at Hunterston Jetty this morning.

She's in for a short logistical stop then sailing tomorrow.

Svitzer tugs Completeing the Berthing

Almost Berthed

Canting to Go in Astern

Arriving Off Fairlie

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

HMS Forth - Heads to Fitting Out After Launch

The (HMS) Forth departed the KGV docks today having been floated off the barge yesterday.

She was towed to Yarrow's dock and will be there for around seven months while she is fitted out.

She will then begin sea trials.


First Taste of the River


Making Her Way Downriver


Tugs Escorting

Passing Braehead

On Her Way

Pilot and Yard Workers

 Entering Yarrow's Dock

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

Submersible Barge in Tow

The submersible barge 'Dina Launch' on her tow to BAE Systems in Govan.

She was ably assisted by the 'Stadt Sloevaag' on the bow, and 'CMS Warrior' at the stern.

Thankfully the weather was kind till she had passed.

 Approaching Clydebank

Passing Clydebank

 Norwegian Tug 'Stadt Sloevaag'

 Friendly Waves

 Monitoring the Tow

Passing the River Cart


Bound for BAE in Govan 

'CMS Warrior' Takes the Stern

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

HMS Bulwark - Glasgow Departure

After her weekend berthed at the Shieldhall Quay in Glasgow HMS Bulwark departed this morning.

After the trip upriver in heavy rain it was with relief we finally got a break in the weather.

All went smoothly as she was taken off the wall and canted.

Off she went to sea for her next adventure.


Berthed at Shieldhall Quay


Taking the Ropes

 Svitzer Tugs Assisting

 A Busy Bridge

Canting Begins


 Taking the Strain

Communications on the Bridge


Passing Braehead

 Passing Rothesay Dock

Titan Crane in the Background


 Ropes Slipped

 Head On

Passing Bowling 

Passing Dumbarton

Heading Out to Sea

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

HMS Bulwark - Glasgow Visit

HMS Bulwark is one of Royal Navy's Albion-Class assault ships and is designed to put Royal Marines ashore by both air and sea.

She celebrated her 11th Birthday yesterday, and arrived in the River Clyde this morning where she  travelled up to Glasgow.

She will be docked there over the weekend and depart on Monday.

A bitterly cold morning but worth the very early start to see her arrive.

She is an impressive looking vessel.

 Approaching Braehead


Passing Braehead

Landing Craft

Upper Decks

 Bound for Shieldhall Quay

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

MV Catriona - Launch Day

Today we witnessed the launch of the MV Catriona - the first ship built since Jim McColl rescued the yard when things looked very dark indeed.

Since the rescue we have seen investment in infrastructure, and the rebuilding continues.

Talking to the yard workers it was clear to see that they were happy with the new scenario and the future looks and feels good.

The weather threatened prior to the launch but pleased to say we were blessed with some sunshine at the right time.

When in service she can carry 150 passengers, 23 cars, or two HGVs. She is the third ferry built at Fergusons utilising a hybrid system of diesel and battery power.

After sea trials we expect to see her in service in the summer of next year.

 Piper Plays

 Getting ready for the Launch

 Crowds start to Gather

 Rainbow

 Waiting for the Launch

 Bottom is Wet

 A Loud Cheer


In She Goes

 Local school kids enjoy this piece of History

Ready for the next One

 The man who saved the shipyard

 Launch Party

 Best View?

Battler Assists to Berth

Jim McColl with the shipyard Workers

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