Wednesday, 23 July 2014

Glasgow Before the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony


A last minute notion to pop in to Glasgow to sample the atmosphere in the run up to the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.

Only had a short time but very pleased I made the trip.

Not too busy, a great buzz about the city, and sunshine helps too.

Will return during the Games for some more photographs.

Salvation Army Dispensing Free Bottled Water

 Enthusiastic Volunteers


 George Square


 Good Feelings in the City


 Enjoying the Sunshine in George Square

 Austrian Visitor Enjoying Glasgow Hospitality

Says it All

BBC at Work

 Loch Lomond Seaplanes



 Warming Up

 Waiting Patiently


Yellow Seaplane

Temporary BBC Studio for the Games


 Seaplane with the Queen's Baton


'Clyde' By The River Clyde

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

Tuesday, 22 July 2014

Small Ships Race 2014


This event wasn't too clearly publicised with an itinerary that I could find, but went down today to see what I could of the participants.

The event facilitates young people from ages twelve to twenty-five to compete against other sailing vessels and their crews.

The fleet has vessels ranging in size from a thirty-five foot bermudan sloop to a ninety foot gaff rigged schooner.

After the racing is complete, some of the vessels will join the Commonwealth Flotilla.

 The flotilla is expected to comprise of two hundred and fifty vessels that will sail from Greenock to Glasgow on Saturday 26 July this year.

 Alba Endeavour


 Almost Becalmed


 Challenge Wales


Slow Progress in a Light Breeze

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

Sunday, 20 July 2014

PS Waverley - Lochranza Cruise


Today saw me drive to Glasgow and board the paddle steamer Waverley for the start of a cruise to Lochranza.

Weather was a bit chilly at the start and overcast. It was only at the start of the evening that we got a nice bit of sunshine.

Overall the cruise was very good and I am a big fan of the Waverley, seeing her as an icon of the Clyde in the summer months.

The edge was taken off with who I think was the chief engineer. It wasn't so much that he objected to appearing in one of my photographs, but the way way in which he both expressed and animated himself.

Wouldn't have minded but he was only a very small part of the photograph, and as the engine room is always busy and lots of photos being taken I couldn't really understand his issue with me.

Such is life, but it was very off putting on the day.

We returned to Glasgow as the summer sun was setting and gave the opportunity for some nice shots.

The ticket machine at the Science Centre suffered a malfunction so after a bit if a delay the staff finally agreed to open the barriers and let us all get on the road to our respective homes.

 Departing from Glasgow


'Glenlee' at the Museum of Transport

Passengers on the Upper Deck

Approaching Customhouse Quay at Greenock

 Engine Room


Coiled

 Approaching Largs Pier


Ladies Day Out

 Berthing at Rothesay


Leaving Rothesay

 Below Decks


Side View

 Souvenir Shop


 Dining Room


Passengers on Deck

Tied Up at Lochranza

 Lochranza Pier


 Loch Tarbert Docking


 Isle of Arran


Approaching Lochranza 


Ventilator Shaft


 Yachts Racing off Tighnabruaich


Lochranza

 Leaving Lochranza


Following Seagull


Titan Crane is Setting Sun 


Safely Berthed as the Sun Sets

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

Thursday, 17 July 2014

SD Eva - Day Trip


Serco were having a 'corporate' day today and I was the photographer for the trip.

Here are a few photographs showing the Clyde at it's best in warm sunshine.

My personal thanks go to the captain and crew who not only ensured my safety for the day, but also supplied lunch and company in the mess deck.

 Departing Great Harbour

 Passing SD Norther River

On the Bridge

 Engaged in Conversation

 Getting up Speed

Approaching Largs Marina

Largs Marina

 Ready for the Water

Scotts Restaurant

Returning from Lunch


Berthed Yacht


Preparing to Leave the Marina

Passing Hunterston Jetty 

 Sea King on Exercise

Training

Winchman

 Hovering

 Bidding Farewell

 Turning for Home

Happy Group in the Sunshine

SD Eva Crew

Heading Home

Passing Cloch Lighthouse

 Great Harbour is the Next Stop

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