US Navy Ohio Class Submarine at Faslane

Very fortunate to catch an Ohio Class submarine of the US Navy as she went up to Faslane on the Gareloch in Scotland this morning.

I gather it's the first time a USN SSBN has visited Faslane since 2001.

In the US Navy ballistic missile submarines are designated SSBN (Ship, Submersible, Ballistic, Nuclear) and are nicknamed 'boomers.'

The sun shone brightly to greet her arrival, and there was some excitement on shore as she passed the Rhu Narrows bound for Faslane Naval Base.


Approaching from the Clyde 

 Passing Roseneath

 Sun Glints off the Casing

 Crew

MOD Police Boat Escort

 Royal Marines Escorting


Flotilla Passes Rhu Spit

 SD Dependable with the Ohio Class

Faslane Bound

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

'Regal Princess' Visits Greenock

The cruise ship 'Regal Princess' arrived at Greenock this morning on her maiden visit.

She arrived just before sunrise and canted off the Esplanade before berthing at the Ocean Terminal.

Her last port was Bergan and she departs this evening bound for Belfast.


Passing Gourock before Sunrise

Locals Await her Arrival 

 'Anglegarth' Assists the Berthing

 Canting

Off Greenock Ocean Terminal

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

Scottish Airshow 2015 - Prestwick and Ayr

Lovely day for the airshow at Ayr, but a cold wind off the beach made it less comfortable.

Opted to head over to see the aircraft at Prestwick during the lunch break - this proved to be a good move.

Vulcan had her final flight in Scotland as she will no longer be flying after this year.

She had a technical problem which gave us a few concerns but all ended well I'm pleased to say.

I'll let the images do the talking and hope you enjoy them.

 HMS Pembroke and Royal Marines 

 RAF Eurofighter Typhoon 

CAP 232

DHC-1 Chipmunks

RAF Hawk T2 Demonstration Team 

 Hawker Hurricane 

Mighty Vulcan - Last Flight

Saab 35 Draken

 Saab 35 Draken Takes Off

 RAF Hawk T2 (ZK028)

 Red Arrows

 Eurofighter Typhoon

 Catalina 

 Saab J-29F Tunnan (Wee Barrel)

B-17G Flying Fortress

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

Ferguson Marine - preferred bidder for Ferries Contract

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited Ferguson Marine at Port Glasgow this morning.

She toured the facility and engaged with the the workers showing a keen interest in the building of the current ferry on the slipway.

She then announced to the management and workers that they were the preferred bidder for the contract to build two new Caledonian MacBrayne ferries.

First  Minister Nicola Sturgeon arriving at Ferguson Marine Shipyard

 First  Minister Nicola Sturgeon engages with Workers

 Nicola Sturgeon and Yard Owner Jim McColl

Nicola Sturgeon Looks on as Welding Progresses

Welding in Progress

 Hats Off


Celebrating

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

Strathaven Balloon Festival - 2015

Once again it was a well worthwhile trip to Strathaven to see the Balloons in flight.

The organisers and staff were both friendly and helpful.

The balloonists were cheerful and accommodating, and the morning and evening events were fantastic.

Hope you enjoy the images and I can recommend this event if you are able to attend next year.

 Unpacked


Farmer and Family Get an Early Start


Safely Landed

Up and Away

Larkhall Bound

 Evening Start

 Sailing in the Sky

Inflated 
  

 Evening Preparations

Crowds Gather at the Hill

Little Boy with Big Balloon


Evening Flight


Coming Over


About to Land

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