St Michael’s Parish Church - Linlithgow

Before visiting Linlithgow Palace I had a walk around St Michael’s Church and was rewarded with the sight of this magnificent church.

The church was dedicated or perhaps rededicated in 1242.

It has 'enjoyed' a varied history - being sacked by John Knox, used as a timber store, Oliver Cromwell stabled his horses here, and it is probable that Mary Queen of Scots was baptised in this parish church.

There is also the former lepers' squint to enable those poor unfortunates to see and hear the service from outside.

Well worth a visit and I know I'll be back again one day.

Approaching Linlithgow Palace with St Michael’s Kirk to the Right

St Michael’s Kirk

Stain Glass Window - St Michael’s Kirk

St Michael’s Kirk

 St Michael’s Kirk

Mary Queen of Scots Engraved on the Pulpit - St Michael’s Kirk

 St Michael’s Kirk

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

Quest for Adventure

The Cruise ship 'Quest For Adventure' departed Greenock this afternoon as she headed to the Arctic Circle on a 'National Trust for Scotland' cruise adventure.

She arrived early this morning, and can carry up to 446 passengers.

Unfortunately thee  poor spell of so called summer weather we are experiencing continued as she left in the cold and grey of the Clyde.

Cruise Ship - Quest for Adventure

Passengers Aboard the Quest for Adventure

A Solitary Seagull Watches as 'Quest for Adventure' Departs Greenock

 Quest for Adventure - Canting Off Greenock Esplanade

 Cruise Ship - Quest for Adventure - Departing Greenock

Quest for Adventur

 Quest for Adventure with Pole Star in the Background

 Cruise Ship - Quest for Adventure

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

Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Museum

A visit to the recently opened Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Preservation Museum in Greenock Municipal Buildings.

The premises are the original Fire Station in Greenock many years ago.

It has been created and is run by volunteers and much credit goes to them for what they have achieved.

It is a reminder of times past and of the brave men who have given their lives over the years for the safety and peace of mind of the general public.

Would recommend a visit - you will enjoy.

Entrance Hall

 Main Hall

Vintage Fire Engine

Display Cabinet

Main Hall

Display Cabinet

 Fire Cart

 Hose Apparatus

 Main Hall

Wallace the Fire Station Dog

Exhibit

 Breathing Apparatus

 Steam Pressure Dial

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

The Queen Visits Inverclyde in Her Jubilee Year

Today was Greenock's turn to be visited by the Queen in her Jubilee year.

The public turned out in their thousands and lined the streets of Greenock as both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived.

Her Majesty’s motorcade arrived at Cathcart Square just over thirty minutes late to be greeted with a rendition of 'God Save the Queen' and a school children's' choir giving their all.

Unfortunately as the Queen went directly to Municipal Buildings we were not afforded a clear view of her, and a pity she did not go towards the choir as they would have surely felt rewarded.

After declaring Inverclyde Council’s new customer contact centre in the Municipal Buildings opened and unveiling the plaque - the Queen’s car drove via Greenock Esplanade to the Battery Park where her helicopter was waiting to whisk her off to her next destination.

A short visit it has to be said, but fond memories for Inverclyde's residents of the occasion I am sure. 

Crowds Gather to Await the Queen on Her Inverclyde Visit - Cathcart Square

 Mid Kirk - Queen's Inverclyde Visit

 Police Outriders on Queen's Inverclyde Visit - Cathcart Square

 Crowds Gather to Await the Queen on Her Inverclyde Visit - Cathcart Square

 Bunting on the Fountain - Cathcart Square

 Crowds Gather to Await the Queen on Her Inverclyde Visit - Cathcart Square

 Crowds Gather to Await the Queen on Her Inverclyde Visit - Cathcart Square

 Queen's Inverclyde Visit - Cathcart Square

 Room With a View - Queen's  Inverclyde Visit - Cathcart Square

Watching You, Watching Me - Queen's Inverclyde Visit - Cathcart Square

Queen Departing Inverclyde - Battery Park

HRH the Duke of Edinburgh Waves to the Crowd - Battery Park

Queen's Helicopter Departing - Battery Park

And It's Goodbye from Me - Queen's Short Inverclyde Visit - Battery Park

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

Langbank Sunset

Feeling a bit inspired as watching a DVD on landscape photography, popped over the field and these are the results of my efforts.

Hope you enjoy. 

Langbank Sunset

 

 Langbank Sunset

Langbank Sunset

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

Ocean Countess - Departing Greenock

Ocean Countess departed Greenock late this afternoon and her next destination is Bergen.

A nice sunny afternoon for the departure and the passengers were on deck enjoying the sunshine - albeit a but windy.

 Cruise Ship - Ocean Countess - Off Greenock Esplanade

Ocean Countess - Canting with the Assistance of Svitzer Milford

Cruise Ship - Ocean Countess - Off Greenock Ocean Terminal

Ocean Countess - Off Greenock Esplanade

Ocean Countess - Off Greenock Esplanade

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

Greenock Esplanade - Ships Going By

A wee bit of activity as I awaited the departure of the cruise ship 'Ocean Countess'.

The 'Shoalway' is dredging up near Glasgow so is a regular sight passing up and down the river as she dumps the silt from upriver.

Shoalway - Off Greenock Esplanade

 

 Shoalway - Off Greenock Esplanade

Shoalway - Glasgow Bound

 Hoo-Ha - Sailing Yacht

 MOD Police Boat 'Jura' - Greenock Esplanade

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