Strathaven Balloon Festival

After last nights trip through to Strathaven for the 'Evening Glow' event I ventured through early this morning to see the balloons in flight.

This is one of these events I've had in my bucket list and so glad I went through today.

Major fun chasing around watching the various balloons and trying to anticipate where they may eventually land.

Everyone I spoke with was very helpful and friendly and obviously enjoying the day.

The weather of course makes or breaks an event like this and this morning we were blessed.

 Flying Low

In Flight

 Rix Balloon

Flying High

 Colourful

Happy back on Earth

Down to Earth


Having enjoyed the morning session so much, it was back through again for the evening session.

I wasn't disappointed as you can see from the photographs.

 Crowds in the Park

 Preparing for Lift Off

Large Crowd Enjoying the Spectacle


Flaming Hot Balloon

 Dragging

 Vivid Colours

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

Strathaven Balloon Festival - 'Evening Glow' Event

I went through to Strathaven Balloon Festivals's 'Evening Glow' event tonight.

Wasn't sure what to expect but knew getting quality images would be a challenge.

Positioned myself a bit too close to the action I think, though a couple of good shots resulted.

The event is quite a short one so not much time to get in to different locations for a different perspective. The crowd was quite large too so getting a clear view wasn't so easy.

Anyway, here's the fruits of my labours.

 Ballons Inflate

Lighting Up to the Music

Inflated

 Warming up

 Nice and Bright

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

Ferguson's Shipyard - First Minister Visit

Scotland's First Minister - Alex Salmond - today met with the workforce at Ferguson Shipyard in Port Glasgow.

The yard went bust last week with the loss of 70 jobs following cash-flow difficulties and a lack of orders.

He listened to their concerns during the meeting with shop stewards and employees.

Mr Salmond once again vowed that Ferguson’s would be saved.

I understand that the administrators are considering three bids for the yard.

Jim McColl - who owns the Clyde Blowers - has lodged a bid for the troubled yard and appears favourite to take over.

Hopefully a buyer can be found from the bids submitted and shipbuilding in Inverclyde can continue and go on to further success.

Ferguson Shipyard


Alex Salmond at the Yard


Leaves the Meeting to Address the Media

MSP Duncan McNeil Speaks with the Media

First Minister Speaks to the Media

Alex Salmond Interview with the BBC Crew

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

RFA Gold Rover at Loch Striven

Fortunate enough to be aboard the RFA Gold Rover today.

At forty-one years old she looks in fantastic condition and has such classic lines.

I'll let the photos do the talking.

Berthed at Loch Striven Jetty

 From the Bridge

The Bridge

 The Bridge

Classic Funnel 

Semaphore Lamp


Mast

Below Decks

Looking Aft

 Looking Aft

 Looking Forward

 Towards the Bow

Main Structure

 Forward Deck

 Looking Aft

 Looking to shore

 Looking Aft

 Bow

 Pipes, Pipes, and More Pipes

Pipework

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

Johnstone Fire Rally

The Renfrewshire annual Fire Rally came to Johnstone this year.

It was very well attended and nice to see the pipe band leading the appliances to the Square.

It's a pity the weather took a turn for the worst but the kids seemed to be having rare old time with all the flashing lights and the noise of the klaxons.

We had some local dignitaries in attendance and the provost was called on to participate in some of the demonstrations.

Thanks are due to all the volunteers for making the event such a success.

 Pipe Band Leads the Procession

 Dennis Merryweather Turntable Ladder

Dennis MK2 Scoosher

 Fire Engine Rally

 Fireman Sam

 Scania G82M Water Tender

 Scania P280

 Fire and Rescue Service Scania P280

Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall

 Busy Bears

 Youngster Having Fun

Local Dignitaries 

 Chip Fan Demonstration

 Chip Fan Demonstration Goes Whoosh

Happy Group Posing in the Rain

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