'Ben My Chree' - Docked at Inchgreen Dry Dock in Greenock

An Isle of Man ferry arrived on the Clyde for repairs tonight.

She entered the Inchgreen dry dock at 23:33 - straight in with no problems or hitches. I was very impressed.

 Owned by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company she suffered damage to one of her stabilising fins during recent bad weather.

We expect her to leave sometime on Monday.

The last Steam Packet vessel to dry dock on the Clyde was 'Peveril' in the Garvel -  January 1997

Approaching the Dry Dock

Making Her Way up the Dock

Safely Tucked up for the Night

Viewed from the Hillside

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

Walking the Dog (Maya)

They say the best camera is the one you have with you - and that can't be argued with for sure.

It is a little frustrating however when you get such lovely light and only the wee 'point and shoot' camera with you on your walk, knowing the main camera would have opened other opportunities and offered much better quality.

But then, Maya would not have enjoyed her walk so much as I'd have been spending longer on my shots.

Life is not perfect, but today's light was pretty close.

Reservoir

 Loch Thom

Waterman's Cottage

 Still Waters

 Fishing Time

Reflective Waters

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

RFA 'Fort Victoria' - Loch Striven

A most enjoyable and educational day out today aboard the 'Fort Victoria'.

Thanks to a very kind invitation I was able to view this ship at close quarters and had a very nice tour of the facilities she offers.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels and men are essential to the running of the Royal Navy.

One point worthy of mention though, is my trip aboard the FML (Fast Motor Launch) as this was the final time she will be launched and used by the RFA before being retired.

I'll leave the images to do the talking, but must express my gratitude to all those concerned for making it such a memorable day.

'Fort Victoria' at Loch Striven Jetty

The Bridge

The Bridge

 Looking Aft

 Looking For'ard

 Top Deck

 Looking Aft

 Through the Eye

 Winch

 On Deck

 Twin Towers

 View from the Stern

 Below Decks

 Looking Down

 Flight Bridge

 FML (Fast Motor Launch)

 FML (Fast Motor Launch)

 View from the Loch

 Speeding Up the Loch

Returning

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

CMB Sakura - Bulk Carrier

Another large bulk carrier on the Clyde today - this time inbound for Glasgow.

A very blustery day so suspect taking her upriver was a marginal decision. Three tugs assisted in her journey.

I was fortunate enough to catch her when the rain was off, but both myself and my tripod were almost blown off our respective feet.

'CMB Sakura' and 'Ayton Cross' Approaching East India Harbour

 Passing Greenock

 Approaching East India Harbour

 Heading Upriver

Passing Port Glasgow

Passing Dumbarton Rock

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

'Pretty Ivy' Heads to Sea

A run up to Braehead at lunch time to see the departure of the bulk carrier 'Pretty Ivy'.

Weather has been a problem for shipping movements of late so I guess the owners will be glad to see her safely out to sea.

Unusually one of the Serco tugs - 'SD Dependable' was used to assist the tow today. I believe it's been about five years since this last happened.

It was good to witness, and I'm sure it was a welcome challenge to the crew from their normal MOD work.

I wonder if this will be a thing of the future with Serco and Svitzer tugs working together.


'Ayton Cross' Leads the 'Pretty Ivy' Downriver

'SD Dependable' Takes the Stern

 Heading Downriver

Next Stop is Open Sea 

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

Glasgow Christmas Lights

Just managed to get up to George Square in Glasgow before the Christmas Lights event came to a close.

Not too cold a night - which was a blessing.

Thanks to the organisers for arranging that I could spend some time taking these photographs.

 Spinning Round

 Helter Skelter

Carousel


GOMA

 GOMA In Festive Mood

GOMA In Festive Light

George Square Lights


George Square Lights

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

Stormy Inverclyde

The winter weather continues in the Inverclyde area.

Today saw the real threat and warnings of flooding due to the combination of weather and coastal tides.

Had a run around to get some photos to record what was happening.

 The 'Torch' works on in Trying Conditions


Small Boats Enjoy the Safety of the Harbour

 'Caledonian Isles' Move to Dry Dock is Deferred

Strong Winds

 River Clyde Flows Freely to the Pavements

 Local Workers Do Their Best to Assist the Locals

 What Would You Wish For?

Getting Close to High Tide

 Someone's Prized Car in Peril

 Debris and Flooding at Cardwell Bay

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