Royal Scotsman in Gourock

There was hope that the 'Royal Scotsman' may have been hauled by a Deltic diesel locomotive today but sadly that didn't happen.

However when she arrived everyone was delighted to see a Class 66 arrive in Gourock Station.

Headed home after securing a few images with the plan to return for her departure.

A second Class 66 arrived early evening and coupled to the train ready for the departure.

After getting a few more images it was off to Fort Matilda Station to get some photos as she passed.

Poor light but the weather was more pleasant for the evening trip.

British Rail Class 66 Locomotive (66735) at Gourock Station

British Rail Class 66 Locomotive (66735) at Gourock Station

 Carriage Interior


Observation Carriage

Carriage Interior 

 '66735' at Gourock Buffers

 British Rail Class 66 Locomotive (66732) passing Fort Matilda

British Rail Class 66 Locomotive (66732) arriving at Gourock

Side Panel

 Coupling

 British Rail Class 66 Locomotive (66732) passing Fort Matilda

British Rail Class 66 Locomotive (66735) passing Fort Matilda

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

HMS Ocean - Departing Glen Mallon

HMS Ocean departed from Loch Long this morning and headed out to sea.

Once again I was treated to wintry showers and feeling very cold.

Everything went smoothly as she came off the berth and the tugs did their work to cant her.

Hope we see her back again one day soon.


Waiting for the off at Glen Mallan jetty


Preparing to Departure


Coming  off the berth at Glen Mallan

HMS Ocean and SD Reliable

 Canting

HMS Ocean Off Glen Mallan

 HMS Ocean and SD Reliable

 Under Tow


In Loch Long

 Landing Craft on Deck

 Heading Out to Sea

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

HMS Ocean - Glen Mallon

HMS Ocean arrived on the Clyde this morning and headed up Loch Long to Glen Mallan.

First time I've seen her here and have to say she is very impressive.

Fortunate to get a nice sunny - if cold - day for the photographs.

 Bound for Glen Mallan

Passing Finnart


Tugs in Attendance


Closer Look

Starting to Berth 

Final Push

 Approaching Glen Mallan

Busy Bridge


Berthing at the Jetty

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

Prince of Wales - Bridge Module Transit

The bridge module constructed at BAE System's Govan Yard in Glasgow started it's journey to Rosyth on the East coast.

Once there it will be added to the hull of the aircraft carrier "Prince of Wales' currently under construction.

The Inverness based tug 'Strathdon' will take the tow through.

She was ably assisted by the Svitzer tug "Ayton Cross' from Govan to Greenock.


Passing Langbank Outbound


Approaching Port Glasgow

 Side View

Tugs Assist 

Bridge Module


Tug 'Strathdon' is the Sea Going Tug for the Main Journey

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

Day Trip to Lochgilphead Area

A wee day out to Lochgilphead with a couple of friends to take in the scenery and get some photos.

A good drive up and straight to Ardrishaig to see the end of the Crinan Canal.

Bright and sunny but bitterly cold - still we can't have everything.

Then headed up to the canal locks and stopped for a coffee and sandwich and let Maya out for a walk plus some dog food and water.

Onwards to Crinan Harbour - consisted of a single pontoon - but a nice atmosphere.

A drive round to Crinan where the canal basin leads to the sea.

Some interesting craft so a walk around and chatted with some of the locals doing restoration work, and also one of the canal staff.

On the move again and back to Lochgilphead where I'd arrange to meet an old friend who I hadn't seen in - I guess - about 25 years. Another coffee and sandwich in his garden and enjoyed the warmth of the sun out of the wind.

He recommended a visit to Dunadd and that proved very worthwhile, and also visited the standing stones in the area.

Then to Tarbert but as hunger was getting the better of us we opted for fish and chips and a stretch of the legs. Sadly this meant we missed the light so no photos.

Back up the road and decided to take in the sunset at Crinan, and after that we departed and got home around 23:30 so a long but very worthwhile day.


Ardrishaig


Ardrishaig Harbour

 Crinan Harbour

Steam Tugboat

 Crinan Lighthouse

 View from Dunadd

Auld Reekie - Puffer

 Nether Largie Stones at Kilmartin

Glen Temple Wood Stone Circles 

 Jenny

 Crinan Canal

Celtic Cross at Kilmartin Church

Sun Sets at Crinan Basin


Sunset from Crinan

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