Dougie Coull Photography

Thursday, 9 January 2014

RFA 'Fort Victoria' - Loch Striven

A most enjoyable and educational day out today aboard the 'Fort Victoria'.

Thanks to a very kind invitation I was able to view this ship at close quarters and had a very nice tour of the facilities she offers.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels and men are essential to the running of the Royal Navy.

One point worthy of mention though, is my trip aboard the FML (Fast Motor Launch) as this was the final time she will be launched and used by the RFA before being retired.

I'll leave the images to do the talking, but must express my gratitude to all those concerned for making it such a memorable day.

'Fort Victoria' at Loch Striven Jetty

The Bridge

Looking Aft

Looking For'ard

Top Deck

Looking Aft

Through the Eye

Winch

On Deck

Twin Towers

View from the Stern

Below Decks

Looking Down

Flight Bridge

FML (Fast Motor Launch)

View from the Loch

Speeding Up the Loch

Returning

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

Monday, 6 January 2014

CMB Sakura - Bulk Carrier

Another large bulk carrier on the Clyde today - this time inbound for Glasgow.

A very blustery day so suspect taking her upriver was a marginal decision. Three tugs assisted in her journey.

I was fortunate enough to catch her when the rain was off, but both myself and my tripod were almost blown off our respective feet.

'CMB Sakura' and 'Ayton Cross' Approaching East India Harbour

Passing Greenock

Approaching East India Harbour

Heading Upriver

Passing Port Glasgow

Passing Dumbarton Rock

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

Sunday, 5 January 2014

'Pretty Ivy' Heads to Sea

A run up to Braehead at lunch time to see the departure of the bulk carrier 'Pretty Ivy'.

Weather has been a problem for shipping movements of late so I guess the owners will be glad to see her safely out to sea.

Unusually one of the Serco tugs - 'SD Dependable' was used to assist the tow today. I believe it's been about five years since this last happened.

It was good to witness, and I'm sure it was a welcome challenge to the crew from their normal MOD work.

I wonder if this will be a thing of the future with Serco and Svitzer tugs working together.

'Ayton Cross' Leads the 'Pretty Ivy' Downriver

'SD Dependable' Takes the Stern

Heading Downriver

Next Stop is Open Sea

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

Saturday, 4 January 2014

Glasgow Christmas Lights

Just managed to get up to George Square in Glasgow before the Christmas Lights event came to a close.

Not too cold a night - which was a blessing.

Thanks to the organisers for arranging that I could spend some time taking these photographs.

Spinning Round

Helter Skelter

Carousel

GOMA

GOMA In Festive Mood

GOMA In Festive Light

George Square Lights

George Square Lights

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

Friday, 3 January 2014

Stormy Inverclyde

The winter weather continues in the Inverclyde area.

Today saw the real threat and warnings of flooding due to the combination of weather and coastal tides.

Had a run around to get some photos to record what was happening.