Monte Carlo Classic Car Rally - Paisley Start

Around 70 classic cars dating back to the 1920s gathered outside the beautiful Paisley Abbey before setting off on their 2,688km trip to the French Riviera.

It is great that Paisley has continued to be the starting point again this year.

Entertainment was evident for those who came along to see the cars and drivers before the rally started.

The first car off the ramp was the specially branded Chrysler Sunbeam marking the town’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021.

We were favoured with good weather on the night making it a pleasant experience.

Old Timer

First to Depart

Atmospheric Shot

Wolseley

Beetle

Off We Go

Sleek

Waiting in Turn


Entertainment

Taxi for Monte Carlo

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

Monte Carlo Classic Car Rally - Paisley

Paisley once again hosts the only UK start of the world-famous Monte Carlo Classic Car Rally tomorrow.

The four other start venues are Barcelona, Frankfurt, Oslo, and Reims.

The event begins around 16:00 with much in the way of festivities and entertainment before the first car starts at 17:45 from Abbey Close at Paisley Abbey.

The first car over the ramp will be a specially branded Chrysler Sunbeam, marking Paisley’s bid for the  UK City of Culture 2021.

We can only hope and pray for reasonable weather, unlike the blustery and wet we enjoyed today.

Dedicated Drivers with Their Cars

 Waving the Flag

 Chrysler Sunbeam

Riley 9 War Department Tourer

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

Walkies

Another German Shepherd Dog (GSD) Walk  today and the snow added to the fun for dogs and walkers alike.

For clarity, even the ferocious looking images are misleading as this is how they play and not half as bad as it looks.

I would describe as 'handbags at dawn'.

So, a nice stretch, with nice people who love their dogs dearly, and good chat with a bit of fun as we walk around the Knapps Dam.

 Stand Off

Walk Begins

Hill Climb

 On the Up

 Pretty to Pose

 Looking Back

Time for Treats

On the Run

 Action

Playful Shenanigans

 Bit of Jawing

Who has the Ball?

 Wait for Me

 Three Beauties

Snow is Fun

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.

Winter Walk - Greenock Cut

A short walk up the Greenock Cut this afternoon with Maya to give her a stretch.

Nice light at this time of year - that's when the rain stops of course.

Pleased that I decided to take the camera with me on the walk.

 Waterfall

Blink of Sun

 Winter Colours

Rainbow Trees

In Deep Water

Looking North

 Overton Cottage

Reflective Overton Cottage

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