Sunday Pursuits

Sunday morning breaks to the forecasted poor weather, but there is some activity in the area today.

The cruise ship 'MSC Splendida' arrived very, very early at around 06:30 so despite being up and about I couldn't manage down to Greenock in time for her arrival.

Next on the agenda was the 'Royal Scotsman' tour that would be travelling through Inverclyde to stable at Gourock for the afternoon.

As there was an embargo on West Coast Railway pending safety checks we are being treated to some unusual traction. The embargo has been lifted so we will be back to 'business as usual' next week.

The same Class 66 diesel as last weekend brought the tour down, and we were treated to loco '66721' coming later in the day with her unusual livery.

Much standing about in the cold and wet, but that's what brings the rewards of getting some usable images.

'66735' Thunders through Greenock Central Station

 'MSC Splendida' berthed at Greenock Ocean Terminal

'66721'  Passing Fort Matilda Station

'Royal Scotsman' awaits  '66721' in Heavy Rain

 '66721' couples with the 'Royal Scotsman'

'66721' hauls the 'Royal Scotsman' through Fort Matilda Station

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

Caribbean Princess at Greenock

The 'Caribbean Princess' arrived in Greenock this morning - the first of the larger cruise ships to visit the Clyde this season.

She has been here many times before, but here are a few current photos of her arrival in the bright sun.

A cold wind accompanied her as she berthed at the Greenock Ocean Terminal.

Hopefully her bus tours will leave ample time to get back to Greenock as the road works are providing long delays at the moment.

Arriving at Greenock


 Approaching the Ocean Terminal


Ship's Bridge

About to Berth


 Upper Decks

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

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon Visits Inverclyde

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited Inverclyde today as part of the forthcoming general election campaign.

She arrived at the Battery Park having flown over by helicopter after her visit to Helensburgh .

She was greeted by an enthusiastic reception party as she touched down at the Battery Park in Greenock.

Hundreds of supporters turned out at Cathcart Square in Greenock, and Nicola took time to speak and pose for selfies with many of the crowd.

Everyone seemed very pleased with her visit and you could see the delight in their faces.


Happy Reception Party

Nicol Hovers Over Greenock

 Friendly Wave to Waiting Supporters

 Nicola Sturgeon Waves to the Waiting Crowd

 A Smiling Nicola Sturgeon disembarks her Helicopter

 Nicola embraces a young SNP supporter

Delighted Young Supporters

 Posing with Supporters


Nicola Sturgeon and local candidate Ronnie Cowan 

High Fives

On Walkabout in Clyde Square

Very Young Supporters Waves to Nicola Sturgeon

Flag Waving at the First Minister's Car

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

PS Waverley Readies for the Season Ahead

The paddle steamer PS Waverley exited the Garvel dry dock this morning having been in for a refit before the summer season starts.

It's clear that there is still some work ahead of the volunteers, but confidence is high that she will be ready for the start of the season.

I also caught another couple of vessels at Custom House quay.


Starting to Exit


Inching Out of the Dry Dock 

Exiting the Garvel Dry Dock

 Towing out to the River Channel

Volunteers

 Without Lifeboats

PS Waverley


Ready to Cant

Battler assists in Canting

Approaching Custom House Quay

Crew Member

Captain and Pilot

 SD Angeline

Chemical Tanker 'MV Claus'

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

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.