'Loch Seaforth' Arrives on the Clyde

The arrival of the new Calmac ferry - 'Loch Seaforth' - has been awaited with some anticipation.

She arrived on the Clyde this morning and proceeded to the Inchgreen repair quay where she was safely berthed.

She was built in Germany for the Stornoway to Ullapool crossing, and launched at the Flensburger Schiffbau Gesellschaft (FSG) shipyard on 21 March this year.

There were some concerns on delivery as the shipyard was involved in bankruptcy proceedings but all seems to have gone smoothly.

She will replace the 'Isle of Lewis' as the main ferry on the route.

Passing Ocean Terminal

Approaching the Great Harbour

Beginning Her Turn

Heading to the Berth

 Safely Berthed

Loch Seaforth

Loch Seaforth

Bridge

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

Fireworks Display at Dumbarton

It's that time of year again and Dumbarton had their annual firework night tonight.

We never seem to hear of Guy Fawkes these days - just the displays - and many of them are themed.

I find this a bit confusing as I always though the theme was Guy Fawkes.

In any case, it's always a very colourful event and very well attended.

 Show Begins

 Fanning Out

Blue and Violet

Palm Tree

Multiple Explosions

Nice Shapes

Lovely Colours

River Reflections

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

'Strathglass' Departing the River Clyde

The tug 'Strathglass' is pictured here departing the Clyde.

She is based at Invergordon and is seen heading out after towing round a barge from Rosyth to Glasgow.


Waterfront at Port Glasgow

 Approaching Port Glasgow

Wheelhouse

 Abeam of Port Glasgow

On Her Way

Will Pass Greenock Next

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

Glen Mallon on a Dreich Morning

Another early start to get over to Glen Mallon to get a few photographs of the RFA vessel 'Black Rover' departing to head down to Loch Striven.

The weather on the drive over was horrendous with very heavy rain so my expectations were rather negative.

However as I travelled down the road at loch Long it eased back and down to a drizzle.

Getting good images was challenging but hopefully I have managed a few.

Heading back down the loch road I encountered a contingency of Dutch marines who have been here for about a month carrying out various exercises.

A few photos of them and some of their equipment rounded off my morning before heading home.


Waiting on the Tugs


Coming Off the Jetty


Ready to Depart Glen Mallon



Heading Off

Transiting the Loch

Serco Tugs in Attendance

 Plenty Smoke

 Dutch Marine's Radio Transport

Briefing

Dutch Marine's Truck  

Ready to Get Wet

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

Day Trip to the Isle of Arran

An impulse thought yesterday afternoon - rather than go to the Trossachs tomorrow - why not the Isle of Arran in the Firth of Clyde?

A phone call to my friend Thomas who travels this route regularly and the plan was complete.

I met Thomas at the ferry terminal in Ardrossan and we boarded the 09:45 ferry.

My first trip on the 'Caledonian Isles' so that was a bonus.

We had nice weather with sun to set us off, but it did deteriorate to cloud later before a last burst of sun as we headed home.

We used the bus service on the island and the drivers were very helpful and friendly. Next time I go over I'll take the car though, as needed more flexibility to stop where and when I wanted to get photographs.

A most enjoyable day and planning my next trip over already.

 Ardrossan Harbour

 Ready to Depart 

 On Our Way 

 Bound for the Isle of Arran

 Approaching Brodick Pier

'Caledonian Isles' at Brodick

Blackwaterfoot Harbour

 Kids Enjoy the Horse Ride

Lagg

 Flowing Stream at Lagg

 Aptly Named

'Caledonian Isles' arriving at Brodick

 Ready to Depart

Homeward Bound

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

Grangemouth Refinery

Grangemouth Refinery is a major industrial landmark in the Forth Valley.

It can't be claimed to be pretty with its numerous gas flares and cooling towers dominating the landscape.

 Through the hours of darkness it is very brightly illuminated and can be seen for miles around.

It does however produce and supply refined products to customers in Scotland and other parts of the UK.

It also provides much needed employment in the area, and is I believe the UK's second-oldest refinery.

Refinery

Cooling Towers Dominate

View from Bo'ness

Gritty

 Bright Lights

Blazing through the Night

 Blazing Lights

Industrial Pipes

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