HMS Gannet - Farewell Flight

HMS Gannet's search and rescue helicopters had their final farewell flypast over Scotland today and passed Faslane Naval Base on the route.

Here are a few images from above the Naval Base.

 SD Reliable Prepares Her Salute

 Three Sea Kings Approach

 Flying Past Faslane Naval Base

 Overhead at Faslane

Passing the Base

 Heading Off

Bound for Tyndrum

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

Glasgow at Night

Hadn't managed to get to Glasgow for the Christmas lights so took a run up tonight to get some general shots.

The rides and entertainment had either been taken down or were in the process of dismantling so George Square was of little value.

Anyway, hope you enjoy the images I did manage.

Choose Your Viewing Channel

Squinty Bridge

 Bells Bridge

 From the North River Bank

 River Clyde at Night
 
GOMA


Neon Lights


Exchange Square


Exchange Square

Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)

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

HMS Vigilant returns to Faslane Naval Base

HMS Vigilant returned to her home base at Faslane late this afternoon.

Very dull and then the rain came to make things a bit more difficult to get quality images.

Nevertheless here are a few of her arrival.

 Heading in After Crew Transfer

Passing Kilcreggan

 SD Dependable Assists

 Entourage Arrives in the Gareloch

 HMS Vigilant

Approaching Rhu Spit


Past Helensburgh

 Passing Rhu

Bound for Faslane

Sailing through the Rain

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

MV Catriona - Launch Day

Today we witnessed the launch of the MV Catriona - the first ship built since Jim McColl rescued the yard when things looked very dark indeed.

Since the rescue we have seen investment in infrastructure, and the rebuilding continues.

Talking to the yard workers it was clear to see that they were happy with the new scenario and the future looks and feels good.

The weather threatened prior to the launch but pleased to say we were blessed with some sunshine at the right time.

When in service she can carry 150 passengers, 23 cars, or two HGVs. She is the third ferry built at Fergusons utilising a hybrid system of diesel and battery power.

After sea trials we expect to see her in service in the summer of next year.

 Piper Plays

 Getting ready for the Launch

 Crowds start to Gather

 Rainbow

 Waiting for the Launch

 Bottom is Wet

 A Loud Cheer


In She Goes

 Local school kids enjoy this piece of History

Ready for the next One

 The man who saved the shipyard

 Launch Party

 Best View?

Battler Assists to Berth

Jim McColl with the shipyard Workers

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

Final Piece of the Jigsaw

The final piece of the aircraft carrier - (HMS) Prince of Wales - left Govan today and is now heading to Rosyth.

This is the Aft Island section.

Ayton Cross took the bow of the barge with CMS Warrior taking the stern.

The Esvagt Connector followed on and she took over the tow at Greenock to continue the journey.

I stopped off at Ferguson Marine where the new Calmac ferry will be launched tomorrow morning.


Passing Langbank


Approaching Port Glasgow


Sea Going Tug Esvagt Connector


Esvagt Connector


All the Tugs


Passing Port Glasgow


CMS Warrior


Heading Downriver


Bound for Greenock


Final Preparations for Tomorrow's Launch


Taking the Strain


Stern View


Heading to Sea

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