Glen Mallon on a Dreich Morning

Another early start to get over to Glen Mallon to get a few photographs of the RFA vessel 'Black Rover' departing to head down to Loch Striven.

The weather on the drive over was horrendous with very heavy rain so my expectations were rather negative.

However as I travelled down the road at loch Long it eased back and down to a drizzle.

Getting good images was challenging but hopefully I have managed a few.

Heading back down the loch road I encountered a contingency of Dutch marines who have been here for about a month carrying out various exercises.

A few photos of them and some of their equipment rounded off my morning before heading home.


Waiting on the Tugs


Coming Off the Jetty


Ready to Depart Glen Mallon



Heading Off

Transiting the Loch

Serco Tugs in Attendance

 Plenty Smoke

 Dutch Marine's Radio Transport

Briefing

Dutch Marine's Truck  

Ready to Get Wet

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

RFA Gold Rover at Loch Striven

Fortunate enough to be aboard the RFA Gold Rover today.

At forty-one years old she looks in fantastic condition and has such classic lines.

I'll let the photos do the talking.

Berthed at Loch Striven Jetty

 From the Bridge

The Bridge

 The Bridge

Classic Funnel 

Semaphore Lamp


Mast

Below Decks

Looking Aft

 Looking Aft

 Looking Forward

 Towards the Bow

Main Structure

 Forward Deck

 Looking Aft

 Looking to shore

 Looking Aft

 Bow

 Pipes, Pipes, and More Pipes

Pipework

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

Gold Rover

Yet another early start this morning, but at least the weather was favourable.

First stop Rhu to catch the 'Gold Rover' as she departed to my her way round to Glen Mallan in Loch Long.

Caught 'HMS Tracker' as she transited the Rhu Narrows first.

Then the 'Golden Rover' came through assisted by Serco tugs.

Then the drive up through Garelochhead to Glen Mallan and the waiting game till she arrived.

Rewarded with some nice light and this made it all worthwhile.

 HMS Tracker

 Approaching Rhu Narrows

 Sailing Past

On Her Way

 Arriving at Glen Mallan

 Coming Up Towards the Jetty

 Passing the Shoreline

 Sun Catches Gold Rover

Starting to Berth

Almost Berthed

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

RFA 'Fort Victoria' - Loch Striven

A most enjoyable and educational day out today aboard the 'Fort Victoria'.

Thanks to a very kind invitation I was able to view this ship at close quarters and had a very nice tour of the facilities she offers.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels and men are essential to the running of the Royal Navy.

One point worthy of mention though, is my trip aboard the FML (Fast Motor Launch) as this was the final time she will be launched and used by the RFA before being retired.

I'll leave the images to do the talking, but must express my gratitude to all those concerned for making it such a memorable day.

'Fort Victoria' at Loch Striven Jetty

The Bridge

The Bridge

 Looking Aft

 Looking For'ard

 Top Deck

 Looking Aft

 Through the Eye

 Winch

 On Deck

 Twin Towers

 View from the Stern

 Below Decks

 Looking Down

 Flight Bridge

 FML (Fast Motor Launch)

 FML (Fast Motor Launch)

 View from the Loch

 Speeding Up the Loch

Returning

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