Monte Carlo Classic Rally in Paisley - 2014

Thousands turned out in Paisley this evening to see cars set off for Monte Carlo Classic Rally.

An estimated crowd of around 10,000 turned out to see these magnificent machines and their crews gathered before the start of the race.

 A total of sixty-six vehicles set off from just outside Paisley Abbey on the 2,688km trek to the French Riviera - and Paisley the only UK start leg of the world-famous event. 

 Drivers of their lovingly-preserved Porsches, Triumphs, BMWs and Mini Coopers happily mingled with the public, who seemed enjoyed getting up close to the vehicles. 

Irish rallying legend Paddy Hopkirk – who won the rally 50 years ago – joined Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall to wave the cars off on their journey.

The ceremonial first car over the ramp was driven by 1960s female rallying trailblazer Rosemary Smith, partnered by Douglas Anderson, chair of the Rally Start Committee. 

Paisley was joined by Stockholm, Oslo, Barcelona and Reims as a host venue as start legs set off from throughout Europe. 

Renfrewshire Council closed off part of the town centre to allow the crowds to line the streets and get the best view of the cars. 

We also had a link with Renfrewshire’s car-building heritage, with a display of Hillman Imps, built at the former Rootes car plant in nearby Linwood. 

 Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan said: “Paisley is fast building a reputation as a venue for top-class town-centre events – and successfully hosting the Rally is just the latest boost to that. “We were delighted to see the Renfrewshire public get behind the event in such numbers and am sure they enjoyed the spectacle of the occasion.” 

Douglas Anderson, chair of the rally start committee, said: “Once again, the response from the public has been incredible. "This is a truly international spectacle and we hope to bring the event back to Scotland in 2015.” 

So, all in all a great night for motor sport and Paisley.

 Before the Start

 Colourful Cars at Paisley Abbey

 1968 Volvo 122S

 MG - At the Ready

Time is of the Essence

 Friends Ready to Go in Their Triumph TR3A

 Darkness Falls


Rosemary Smith - Paddy Hopkirk - Provost Anne 


Singer Chamois Starts Off

Ready for the Off

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

'Jubilee Hope' Outward Bound for Africa

The medical vessel 'Jubilee Hope' departed the Great Harbour in Greenock today bound for Lake Victoria in Africa.

She left at 12:20 with a wave from the crew to the small group of assembled well-wishers.

I wish her and her crew a safe passage.


Departing the Great Harbour


Passing Greenock

 Outward Bound

 On her Way

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

'Cops and Monsters' Filming

Up at silly o'clock on a Sunday morning can only mean one thing - my youngest son Fraser is filming again.

So, after a fourteen hour stint the initial minisode of 'Cops and Monsters' has been filmed - and the footage is now being scrutinised and edited before effects and music are added.

Then we will see if we get the go ahead to film another six episodes.

Meanwhile here are a few images taken on the day and I hope you enjoy my efforts.

 Preparing to Film

Make-up Time

 Sarah Louise
 

 Kirsty

 Mark

Cops and Monsters


Megan and Fraser


Filming

Zombies

Colin and Fraser Review Footage

 We Need Actors

 Billy and Colin Relaxing?

Colin in Character 

Cat Looking a Little Nervous

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

'Ben My Chree' at Inchgreen Dry Dock in Greenock

Work on the 'Ben My Chree' is now well under under way on the repairs and I understand she is still on plan to exit the dry dock sometime on Monday.

She may not return to the Clyde for the final parts of the work to be completed as this could be done at Birkenhead which is nearer to her normal route.

It has been a good experience to witness her in our waters here in Scotland.

In Inchgreen Dry Dock

High and Dry

Stern View

Fine Looking Vessel

'Isle of Man' Steam Packet Company

Work Continues

Sitting Pretty

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

'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.