TS Queen Mary Heads for the Garvel Dry Dock

TS Queen Mary was today towed to the Garvel Dry Dock where she will receive some much needed TLC.

It's a credit to those who have pursued this dream over many years, and all credit to them for their efforts.

A fair crowd gathered to witness the event and many cameras were clicking away to record the event.

Here are a few of my efforts for those who either couldn't manage, or live too far away.

 The Short Journey Begins

Towing from the James Watt Dock

Leaving James Watt Dock with Well Wishers on the Quay

Pilot and Dale's Staff


Edging Out


'Biter' Takes the Bow in Tow

Canting off Greenock

Steady Pull

Beginning the Entry to the Garvel Dry Dock

Inching Her Way In 

Almost There

Soon be Secured

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

TS Queen Mary Returns Home

Today we witnessed the return of the Scottish steamship TS Queen Mary.

She had left Tilbury Docks on Thursday and was ably towed north by the tug Venture.

Built by Denny of Dumbarton in 1933 she saw more than 40 years service including taking families and  passengers 'doon the watter' on trips from Glasgow to destinations such as Dunoon, Rothesay, Millport and Arran.

Enthusiastic crowds lined the coast to catch a glimpse as she made her way home.

She was in her original configuration of twin funnels. She had for a time only one funnel after conversion work, but I think it's fitting she now has two again.

She is now berthed in the James Watt Dock in Greenock for some TLC.

The plan is to eventually berth her near the Finnieston Crane in Glasgow where she will be an attraction and reminder of days gone by.

Watching her make her way upriver - to the older generation like myself - was like taking a step back in time.

Passing Dunoon

 Tug Venture

 Tug Bruiser

 Arriving at James Watt Dock

 Looking Majestic as any Queen

 Volunteers and Workers

 Twin Funnels

 Approaching the  Dock Entrance

 Canting Before Entering the Dock

Stern First 

 In James Watt Dock

Moving to Berth

Almost Home

Safely Berthed

Tug Venture Departs

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

Queen Mary 2 Departs Greenock with Fireworks

The Cunard cruise ship 'Queen Mary 2' departed Greenock last night with a send off from the local townsfolk - and a few fireworks.

Her visit was part of Cunard's 175 Anniversary Cruise and she's now bound for Oban.

It was good to see so many packing the Greenock Esplanade - more so with the forecast of rain.

Very fortunate that the rain stayed away on the night.

A moving vessel proves a tricky situation with long exposures to capture the fireworks, so not ideal for photographers.

If I'm candid it wasn't the most spectacular display I've attended, but I've attempted to make the most of what was available.

 Preparing to Depart

 Night Sky Lights Up

 Townsfolk Take in the Spectacle

 Moving off the Berth

 Sky Lights Up

 Colourful

 Well on Her Way

Oban Bound

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

Queen Mary 2 Returns

The Cunard cruise ship Queen Mary 2 arrived this morning having travelled from Dublin overnight.

Her last visit to Greenock was in 2013.

Later tonight there will be a firework display as she departs the Ocean Terminal at around 22:00.

Rounding from Dunoon

Arriving off Gourock

 Passing Gourock

Arrives at Greenock Esplanade

 Off Greenock Esplanade

About to Cant of Greenock Ocean Terminal

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

St Michael’s Parish Church - Linlithgow

Before visiting Linlithgow Palace I had a walk around St Michael’s Church and was rewarded with the sight of this magnificent church.

The church was dedicated or perhaps rededicated in 1242.

It has 'enjoyed' a varied history - being sacked by John Knox, used as a timber store, Oliver Cromwell stabled his horses here, and it is probable that Mary Queen of Scots was baptised in this parish church.

There is also the former lepers' squint to enable those poor unfortunates to see and hear the service from outside.

Well worth a visit and I know I'll be back again one day.

Approaching Linlithgow Palace with St Michael’s Kirk to the Right

St Michael’s Kirk

Stain Glass Window - St Michael’s Kirk

St Michael’s Kirk

 St Michael’s Kirk

Mary Queen of Scots Engraved on the Pulpit - St Michael’s Kirk

 St Michael’s Kirk

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