Dougie Coull Photography

Saturday, 16 November 2013

'Verity' Heads to Sea

A short walk for Maya as I wait on my good lady finishing her shopping.

While at Customhouse Quay the 'Verity' appears as she passes on her way to sea.

'Verity' Passing Greenock

'Verity' Passing Greenock

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

Sunday, 10 November 2013

'Hebridean Isles' Arrives For Annual Service

'Hebridean Isles' Arrived in Greenock for her annual winter service.

She arrived just before sunset but the fading light was very attractive and the river was calm.

Quite a slow passage as she entered the dock - better safe than sorry I guess.

Once she had berthed I still had a bit of spare time so ventured up to the Lyle Hill and got quite a good image from the top.

'Hebridean Isles' Passing the Ocean Terminal

'Hebridean Isles' Approaches Greenock

'Hebridean Isles' Passing Greenock

Keeping a Watchful Eye

'Hebridean Isles' at James Watt Dock

Guiding in Through the Gap at James Watt Dock

'Hebridean Isles' at James Watt Dock

A Young Couple Enjoy the View from the Lyle Hill

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

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

Normand Subsea - Visit to Greenock

The 'Normand Subsea' arrived at the Greenock Ocean Terminal this morning.

She has been before - May 2012 I believe.

She is a Survey and Light Construction vessel specifically designed for inspection, maintenance and repair work, and also serves as an offshore supply vessel.

Arriving at Greenock Esplanade

A Closer Look

Ready to Berth at the Greenock Ocean Terminal

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

Monday, 4 November 2013

Dumbarton Firework Display for 2013

Treated to the delight that is the firework display at Dumbarton for this year.

These images are taken from the field behind my home in Langbank as I brave the cold winter air.

Suitably dressed of course.

Firework Display

Firework Display

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

My Day Around the River Clyde

A fairly early start and headed up to Braehead to catch the bulk carrier 'Golden Lyderhorn' depart from Glasgow.

Fortunate enough to also catch the 'Aller' as she made her way upriver.

Then worked my way downriver and stopped off at home to get a few images as the 'Golden Lyderhorn' passed Langbank.

Finally, down to Port Glasgow to catch her as she passed on her way to sea.

Cargo Ship 'Aller'

'Golden Lyderhorn' Departing Glasgow

'Ben Lomond' from my Window with a Light Dusting of Snow

'Golden Lyderhorn' Passing Dumbarton Rock

Approaching Port Glasgow

Passing Port Glasgow

Heading Out to Sea

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

Tuesday, 29 October 2013

A Day Around the Trossachs in Scotland

Been trying to get around a bit to capture some of the lovely autumn colours.

A combination of not being at my best, and the mixed weather, has delayed this little venture of mine and I've been hoping I don't miss the best of it.

Getting up this morning I decided I'd give it a go even though the forecast was mixed.

Having walked Maya and done my other bits and pieces I headed off a bit later than I would have liked.

It's at times like this you really realise how few hours of daylight we get at this time of year as my head buzzes with where to go first, and where to go next.

So, started at Loch Ard and went up further than I have previously. I met two fellow photographers from Ayrshire who were on the same mission as I was.

After Loch Ard I headed to 'David Marshall Lodge' but it was so busy there that I just parked and brewed a coffee and ate my sandwich. The gas stove is a godsend on away days like this.

Carrying on over to Loch Achray the rain decided to put in an appearance - nice for rainbows - bad for cameras.

Decided to give Loch Katrine a miss and headed for Callander with a stop at Loch Venachar where I had a chat with a windsurfer before he started his sail on the loch.

Before Callander I popped in to see 'Hamish' the famous Highland Cow. He was close to the wire so got a photo of his friend - nice to see a black one for a change.

On to Callander but didn't stop as the rain was back on.

Headed back to Aberfoyle in an effort to get a sunset over the Lake of Menteith.

It didn't happen as planned but I went to the jetty where the boats are moored for taking the trip to Inchmahome Priory.

The two 'Historic Scotland' girls were mooring the boats for the night so we exchanged pleasantries as I got my final photos of the day.

Their season ends this Thursday so I've promised I'll make a point of going across again next year.

Then off home and the nightmare of the traffic queues at Erskine Bridge due to road works.

Still, it didn't take the shine of the wonderful day in mostly good weather.

Start of Loch Ard in the Trossachs

Loch Ard in the Trossachs

Rich Autumnal Colours

The Trossachs Hotel in Autumn Sunshine

Autumn Rainbow in the Trossachs

Rainbow Over the Trossachs

Windsurfer in Loch Venachar

The Beauty of Autumn

Loch Venachar

Highland Cow Near Callander

Sun Sets Over the Lake of Menteith in the Trossachs

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

Sunday, 27 October 2013

Western Ferries on a Blustery Day

A wet and blustery day today but managed out for a while.

Braved the winds to get a few images of Western ferries at McInroys Point in Gourock before heading home.

Sound of Soay Off McInroy's Point

Sound of Soay Bound for Hunters Quay

Sound of ShunaApproaching McInroy's Point

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

Saturday, 26 October 2013

West Highland Railway Line

Today saw the return of the steam locomotives utilised on the Jacobite Train Tours on the award winning Fort William to Mallaig Railway line.

The season having been completed they returned to their respective homes for some TLC.

As there would be three steam locomotives coming down the day was planned.

A visit to Garelochhead to catch the first one - 62005 - as she would have quite a long stop there.

Then a run up to the line past Tyndrum to catch the double header that was headed for Crianlarich.

Quite a tight schedule made worse with the traffic lights for road improvements and slow cars on the A82.

Just after they passed the stretch we headed back down to Crianlarich station where they were taking on water. Again this was a long stop so time on my side.

Arrived to the usual circus of enthusiast vying to get their photographs.

The rain didn't stay away too long and back to car for a brew and a sandwich. Then - in the rain - back up to the platform in the hope that the crowds had died away.

Still a few held on for their photos but a lot quieter than earlier.

Finally up to the bridge across the tracks outside Crianlarich to get them as they pulled up the incline.

With the very heavy rain and poor light it was a challenge but glad I stayed.

Then down the road to home to dry out and recharge the batteries.