West Highland Railway Line This Evening

A run across to Dumbarton tonight to meet and greet the steam locomotive 62005 as she stabled overnight.

She is owned by the North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group and tomorrow will continue her journey to Fort William where she will join two other steam locomotives to operate on the Jacobite Railway Tours.

Arriving at Dumbarton Central Station


Arriving at Dumbarton

Train Spotters Look On 

 62005

Waiting to Move to a Siding

 Reversing to Take Water

Colourful Lamps at the Station

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

River Clyde this Evening

A few shots taken tonight, and the river had a nice wee busy spell.

I've also included a few from the evening before.

 Bulk Carrier 'Yuan Hui Hai' on 13 May

 Passing Langbank on 13 May

Cargo Ship 'Scot Ranger'

Cargo Ship 'Scot Ranger' and Pilot Cutter 'Gantock' 

Pilot Cutter 'Gantock' 

Cruise Ship ' Saga Pearl II'

Cruise Ship ' Saga Pearl II'


Cruise Ship ' Saga Pearl II'

Container Ship 'Dette G' 

 Container Ship 'Dette G'

MV Eigg in James Watt Dock

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

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.