Thursday, 26 May 2016

Around the Clyde


Fortunately I had my camera as I walked Maya, and also fortunate that a RN submarine was departing.

Caught her at the Cloch.

Later in the day I went to Greenock for some shoots on the cruise ship leaving - sadly it was a bit damp and cold.

 Leisure and Defence Together

 Vanguard Class Royal Navy Submarine

 Heading to Sea

 Passing Dunoon

 Caribbean Princess Departing Greenock

  Caribbean Princess

  Caribbean Princess Outward Bound 

Container Ship Waiting to Load

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

Sunday, 15 May 2016

TS Queen Mary Returns Home


Today we witnessed the return of the Scottish steamship TS Queen Mary.

She had left Tilbury Docks on Thursday and was ably towed north by the tug Venture.

Built by Denny of Dumbarton in 1933 she saw more than 40 years service including taking families and  passengers 'doon the watter' on trips from Glasgow to destinations such as Dunoon, Rothesay, Millport and Arran.

Enthusiastic crowds lined the coast to catch a glimpse as she made her way home.

She was in her original configuration of twin funnels. She had for a time only one funnel after conversion work, but I think it's fitting she now has two again.

She is now berthed in the James Watt Dock in Greenock for some TLC.

The plan is to eventually berth her near the Finnieston Crane in Glasgow where she will be an attraction and reminder of days gone by.

Watching her make her way upriver - to the older generation like myself - was like taking a step back in time.

Passing Dunoon

 Tug Venture


 Tug Bruiser


 Arriving at James Watt Dock


 Looking Majestic as any Queen


 Volunteers and Workers


 Twin Funnels


 Approaching the  Dock Entrance


 Canting Before Entering the Dock


Stern First 


 In James Watt Dock


Moving to Berth

Almost Home

Safely Berthed

Tug Venture Departs

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

Around the Clyde


Just a few shots taken on Sunday - glorious weather makes life better.

 Container Ship Balkan

 Greenock Central Station

 Vic 32 Puffer

 Doon the Watter

 Kelana

 Kilmory

Betty Jean


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

Tuesday, 10 May 2016

PS Waverley Exits Dry Dock


Our beloved paddle steamer PS Waverley came out from dry dock today.

She was taken to Custom House Quay ably towed by the tugs Biter and Battler.

On arrival she was berthed and a tanker was standing by to load fuel.

She was looking excellent after her TLC and looking forward to the start of her season.


Exiting the Dry Dock


Clear of the Dry Dock 


Well Out 


Working Tug


Stern First 


Manoevering


Starting the Cant


Canting

 
Taking the Strain


 Pulling Through


Almost Berthed

Berthing 


Pilot 


 Volunteer Worker


 Detaching Lines

 Approaching Custom House Quay


Ready for Fuel

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

Monday, 2 May 2016

HMS Bulwark - Glasgow Departure


After her weekend berthed at the Shieldhall Quay in Glasgow HMS Bulwark departed this morning.

After the trip upriver in heavy rain it was with relief we finally got a break in the weather.

All went smoothly as she was taken off the wall and canted.

Off she went to sea for her next adventure.


Berthed at Shieldhall Quay


Taking the Ropes

 Svitzer Tugs Assisting

 A Busy Bridge

Canting Begins


 Taking the Strain

Communications on the Bridge


Passing Braehead

 Passing Rothesay Dock

Titan Crane in the Background


 Ropes Slipped

 Head On

Passing Bowling 

Passing Dumbarton

Heading Out to Sea

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