Dougie Coull Photography

Saturday, 26 July 2014

Commonwealth Flotilla - Glasgow Bound

After many months of planning the Commonwealth Flotilla left the James Watt Dock this morning.

The vessels made their way to Customhouse Quay where they turned and lined up for the start.

Calmac's new ferry - MV Lochinvar - lead the way as they started their journey to Glasgow.

It's believed this is the largest flotilla ever to make this trip.

As you would expect there was a happy atmosphere around and they got a good send off from the crowd that turned up to cheer them on their way.

Final Vessels Departing the James Watt Dock Marina

Bound for the Start

Big Screen

Mustering at Customhouse Quay

Nice Bunting

Mustering Before the Start

Happy Smiling Faces

Lochinvar with Cruiser and Clyde Clipper Lead the Flotilla

A Busy Lochinvar

Waving and Happy Crew

Good Feel Event

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

Friday, 25 July 2014

Open Day on the MV Lochinvar

Caledonian MacBrayne very kindly arranged an open day aboard the hybrid ferry MV Lochinvar at Gourock Ferry Terminal

Having been at her launch this was a great opportunity to see how she had evolved to completion.

She is due to take part, along with over 250 vessels in the Commonwealth Flotilla from Greenock to Glasgow tomorrow.

MV Lochinvar

The Bridge

Looking Down

Looking Up

Car Deck

Below Decks

Captain on the Bridge

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

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.