CalMac Kinda Day

A wee stroll at Gourock pier today and grabbed a few ferry images.

MV Bute - In for Repair work

Chieftain in New Livery

Ali Cat Inbound

Chieftain Approaching Gourock

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

Argyll Flyer - Lift Out Operation

Calmac ferry Argyll Flyer was lifted from the James Watt Dock to the quayside this afternoon for maintenance work.

Preparation work

High and Dry

Lifting Begins

Cranes Doing Their Work

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.

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.

MV Argyle Sailing Disrupted

Emergency services were called to the ferry terminal at Wemyss bay this afternoon when a turbocharger failed aboard the Calmac ferry MV Argyle.

Smoke was seen coming from the engine room but everything was dealt with by the vessel's crew.

The resulting delay caused some inconvenience to passengers.

The Royal Scotsman tour passengers missed their train as it departed from Gourock at 18:00 as per it's schedule.

They were later reunited with their fellow passengers later that evening.

The tugs Battler and Bruiser towed the MV Argyle to the James Watt Dock In Greenock for repair work.

 Passing the Greenock Ocean Terminal Inbound

Approaching the James Watt Dock

Entering James Watt Dock

Berthing after Tow

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

Lots Happening Around Greenock Docks Today

Today was always going to be busy on the River Clyde, and Greenock docks.

Started when I got the bulk carrier 'Panorea' as she passed Port Glasgow bound for Glasgow.

Then back home I caught the tanker 'Furenas' as she headed upriver to Rothesay Dock in Clydebank.

Then down to the docks and with thanks to the owner of 'MV Saturn' - Andrew - I got some shots as she left the Garvel dry dock and went around to the James Watt Dock to berth for more maintenance work.

The tall ship 'Stavros S Niarchos' completed the same short journey.

We also had tugs and the SEPA vessel 'Minna' arrive at the James Watt Dock.

A selection of images follows.

 Panoreas

 Furenas

 MV Saturn

Stavros S Niarchos

 MV Saturn

 Preparing to Exit

 Stavros in Dock

MV Saturn

MV Saturn

 Fishing Vessel 'Sordyroy' 

 Minna

 Clyde Pilot

Ayton Cross

 Crew Aboard the Stavros

Tug Assisting MV Saturn

Beaver Bay Towing MV Saturn 

 MV Saturn Wheelhouse

Clyde Marine Tugs

Minna

Stavros Exists the Garvel Dry Dock

Tugs Assisting the Stavros

 MV Saturn

MV Saturn

 Beaver Bay Towing MV Saturn

Beaver Bay Towing MV Saturn

From the Wheelhouse of MV Saturn

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