Dougie Coull Photography

Wednesday, 27 August 2014

SD Victoria at Greenock

Serco’s training and support vessel the SD Victoria arrived back in Greenock this morning having sailed up from Gibraltar.

She is one of the largest vessels owned and operated by Serco Marine Services and is currently based at the Great Harbour in Greenock.

Her primary function is to support exercises and military training for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) including transportation of personnel and military equipment.

She was constructed in Romania in 2010 - and is also available for commercial charter.

Bridge

Bridge Area

Afterdeck

Helicopter Deck

Below Decks

Rest Room

Below Decks

Spiral Staircase

Hanger Area

Afterdeck

Engine Room

Hanger

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

Sunday, 24 August 2014

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.

Saturday, 23 August 2014

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.

Friday, 22 August 2014

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.

Wednesday, 20 August 2014

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.