Viking Festival - Largs

I trip down to Largs this afternoon to see the Viking Festival.

The festival is a nine day celebration of the Viking heritage of Largs, including the Battle of Largs of 1263.

Well worth the effort and everyone seemed to be having a good time. I need to be better organised next year and take in more of the activities throughout the week.

The Viking Village and 'skirmish' is courtesy of the 'Swords of Dalriada' and visitors can witness how the Vikings lived.

I've not seen Largs so busy for a long time - it's such a pity the main car park was closed and made parking even more difficult than usual.

Viking Skirmish Explained

Viking Skirmish

 Battle Commences

Joining in the Spirit at the Viking Skirmish

Typhoon (ZK327) FGR4 Displays

Typhoon (ZK327) FGR4 Displays

Typhoon (ZK327) FGR4 Displays

Spinning Demonstration - Largs Church

Viking Village Entertainment

 Cooking in the Viking Village

Viking Village

 Musician Deep in Thought at the Viking Village

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

Tectona - Sail Training Vessel in Greenock

The 'Tectona' is a sailing vessel run by the Tectona Trust.

The aim is to provide a sailing adventure  for young people, from all walks of life with mental health and substance mis-use problems.

 To help build their confidence, self-belief, and the awareness of the needs of others. 

She paid us a visit in Greenock and here are a few photos as she departed this evening.

 Tectona Crew Preparing to Sail from James Watt Dock

Tectona - James Watt Dock in Greenock  

Tectona - Sailing Ship

Tectona Leaving Greenock

Tectona - Passing Custom House Quay in Greenock

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

Rainbow - Port Glasgow

Just a couple of shots from today.

Rainbows a regular sight but heavy showers.

 Rainbow - from Newark Castle

Rainbow - from Newark Castle

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

Life Aboard the Lord Nelson

I spent a very enjoyable hour aboard the Lord Nelson having been invited for a tour by Jennie,  and John - the captain.

Having sailed on the 'Sir Winston Churchill' many years ago I always enjoy my 'below decks' visits to the visiting sailing vessels.

The Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) is the registered charity that owns and operates both the 'Lord Nelson' and 'Tenacious'.

I think they do a fantastic and very worthwhile job with these vessels.

More information is available at their web site - http://www.jst.org.uk/
 

 Wheelhouse on the Lord Nelson

 Second Mate Lesley Aboard the Lord Nelson

Staircase and Lift - Lord Nelson

 Planning Meeting on the Lord Nelson

 Sleeping Accomodation on the Lord Nelson

One of the Lifts on the Lord Nelson

Lord Nelson Himself in the Recreation Area

 Jennie at the Bar in the Recreation Area Aboard the Lord Nelson

 Recreation Area on the Lord Nelson

'Dad' the Assistant Cook on the Lord Nelson

Loading Provisions Aboard the Lord Nelson

Lord Nelson - Custom House Quay

Lord Nelson's Wheelhouse

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

Lord Nelson Sail Training Vessel

The 'Lord Nelson' was out on the river today for a short trip and then back to Custom House Quay.

She's away tomorrow for an eight day cruise heading North, and then back a week on Monday.

Nice to catch  her with a few sails up. A wee bit of sunshine would have been great.

 Lord Nelson - Off Gourock

 Lord Nelson - Off Gourock

 Lord Nelson - Off Gourock

Lord Nelson - Off Gourock

 Lord Nelson Crew at Custom House Quay

 Lord Nelson Approaching Custom House Quay, Greenock

Lord Nelson - Custom House Quay, Greenock

Lord Nelson - Custom House Quay, Greenock

Lord Nelson Approaching Custom House Quay, Greenock

Lord Nelson Approaching Custom House Quay, Greenock

 Lord Nelson - Custom House Quay, Greenock

Lord Nelson from Dougie Coull on Vimeo.

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

Save Greenock Clyde Coastguard - Flare Demonstration

  

Tonight saw a flotilla of small boats gather off Greenock Esplanade as part of the 'Save Clyde Coastguard' - and the owners fired off red flares to show their support.

Clyde Coastguard is to close in December of this year with its work being transferred to other centres. 

 

A large crown gathered on the Esplanade to view the spectacle and also offer their vocal support to the campaign.

Strathclyde Police were present on shore and afloat, as they had previously issued a statement stressing that setting off red distress flares is potentially dangerous and against the law unless done in an emergency. 

I saw no signs of this being enforced I'm pleased to say.

Small Boats Gather for the Save Clyde Coastguard Flare Demonstration

 Save Clyde Coastguard Flare Demonstration - Off Greenock Esplanade

Shore Supporters Joining in the Support at the Save Clyde Coastguard Flare Demonstration

 Save Clyde Coastguard Flare Demonstration - Off Greenock Esplanade

 Save Clyde Coastguard Flare Demonstration - Off Greenock Esplanade

A Rouge Flare Landed Near Houses - Save Clyde Coastguard Flare Demonstration
 

 Save Clyde Coastguard Flare Demonstration with Canoeists Lending Support

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