'Isle of Arran' in Dry Dock

A wee follow up to Thursday's images, we now see the 'Isle of Arran' being given some TLC in the Garvel Dry Dock.

She will probably be in for about 7 - 10 days, and then back on her normal route.

 'Isle of Arran' for Winter Refit

High and Dry

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

'Isle of Arran' at Garvel Dry Dock in Greenock

She arrived a little later than expected and ever hopeful that the forecast was correct and the rain would stay away.

All went to plan as she entered the dock without a hitch I'm pleased to say.

Drove around to the dock and got a few images as she entered, and was centered prior to the dock being pumped dry.

 Approaching the Dock

 Entering the Dock Area

 Manoeuvring to Enter the Garvel

 Safely in the Garvel Dry Dock

Lining up for the Blocks


Activity Around the Garvel Dry Dock in Greenock

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

James Watt Dock Today

A few images from around the James Watt Dock area today.

It was bitterly cold and with rain showers the weather was making life with the camera a bit testing.

Hope you enjoy.

'FOB Swath 1' Refuelling


'FOB Swath 1' Departing

'Hebridean Princess' in for Winter Maintenance

'Sound of Scarba' Approaching James Watt Dock

'Sound of Scarba'

Workers

A Wee Bump 

'Sound of Scarba' in James Watt Dock

Tug 'Bruiser' Assists 'Loch Shira'

 'Loch Shira' Entering the Dock

Boats Working

View of the Dock

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

Cardwell Bay Swans

Popped down to Cardwell Bay in Gourock at high tide. A surge had been predicted so there was the possibility of the river breaking over on to the road and surrounding area.

Thankfully this didn't happen, so not wanting to have a wasted trip I grabbed a few shots of the local swans as they were being fed by a very kind old lady.

 Dinner Time

Ever Beautiful

Cygnets are Getting Very Mature

Keeping a Watchful Eye

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

The Scottish Trossachs

The Trossachs is the area straddling the boundary between the Highlands and the Lowlands of Scotland.

Trossachs Pass begins at the west end of Loch Achray and leads through a narrow opening to the pier at Loch Katrine.

Loch Katrine is owned by Scottish Water and is the primary water reservoir for much of the city of Glasgow delivering up to 50,000,000 gallons per day.

As oil-fired vessels are not permitted to sail its waters due to the danger of pollution, the biodiesel fuelled steam-powered boat - Sir Walter Scott - offers a tourist attraction between Trossachs Pier and Stronachlachar during the summer months.

Winter View

Lady of the Lake

Sir Walter Scott

Solemn

Road to Stronachlachar

Geese

Looking Back

Which Way to Go?

Milky Stream

Wet and Slippery

Looking Back to Trossachs Pier

Backdrop to Sir Walter Scott

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

Monte Carlo Classic Rally in Paisley - 2014

Thousands turned out in Paisley this evening to see cars set off for Monte Carlo Classic Rally.

An estimated crowd of around 10,000 turned out to see these magnificent machines and their crews gathered before the start of the race.

 A total of sixty-six vehicles set off from just outside Paisley Abbey on the 2,688km trek to the French Riviera - and Paisley the only UK start leg of the world-famous event. 

 Drivers of their lovingly-preserved Porsches, Triumphs, BMWs and Mini Coopers happily mingled with the public, who seemed enjoyed getting up close to the vehicles. 

Irish rallying legend Paddy Hopkirk – who won the rally 50 years ago – joined Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall to wave the cars off on their journey.

The ceremonial first car over the ramp was driven by 1960s female rallying trailblazer Rosemary Smith, partnered by Douglas Anderson, chair of the Rally Start Committee. 

Paisley was joined by Stockholm, Oslo, Barcelona and Reims as a host venue as start legs set off from throughout Europe. 

Renfrewshire Council closed off part of the town centre to allow the crowds to line the streets and get the best view of the cars. 

We also had a link with Renfrewshire’s car-building heritage, with a display of Hillman Imps, built at the former Rootes car plant in nearby Linwood. 

 Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan said: “Paisley is fast building a reputation as a venue for top-class town-centre events – and successfully hosting the Rally is just the latest boost to that. “We were delighted to see the Renfrewshire public get behind the event in such numbers and am sure they enjoyed the spectacle of the occasion.” 

Douglas Anderson, chair of the rally start committee, said: “Once again, the response from the public has been incredible. "This is a truly international spectacle and we hope to bring the event back to Scotland in 2015.” 

So, all in all a great night for motor sport and Paisley.

 Before the Start

 Colourful Cars at Paisley Abbey

 1968 Volvo 122S

 MG - At the Ready

Time is of the Essence

 Friends Ready to Go in Their Triumph TR3A

 Darkness Falls


Rosemary Smith - Paddy Hopkirk - Provost Anne 


Singer Chamois Starts Off

Ready for the Off

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

'Jubilee Hope' Outward Bound for Africa

The medical vessel 'Jubilee Hope' departed the Great Harbour in Greenock today bound for Lake Victoria in Africa.

She left at 12:20 with a wave from the crew to the small group of assembled well-wishers.

I wish her and her crew a safe passage.


Departing the Great Harbour


Passing Greenock

 Outward Bound

 On her Way

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