Dougie Coull Photography

Saturday, 18 June 2016

P1 Powerboat Grand Prix of the Seas - Inverclyde

A first for Inverclyde as the P1 Grand Prix of the Sea was held in Scotland for the first time.

The sun shone, the boats and their crews did their bit, the crowds turned out in appreciation, and it was another very successful venture for Inverclyde.

An estimated 22,000 people attended today and everyone seemed to be having a good time and enjoying the spectacle.

As well as the Powerboat and Jet Ski races there were various displays offshore with freestyle Jet Ski and Flyboard fun.

Another day tomorrow though the forecast suggests we may be back to more typical Greenock summer weather.

Crowds Enjoy he Sun on the Esplanade

Race Winner

Acrobatics

Flip

Making a Splash

Display Ended

Round the Buoy

'13' Starts to Flip

'13' Capsizing

Inverclyde's Own

'69'

'21'

Close Encounters

Back to Base

Friendly Wave

Chequered Flag

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

Saturday, 11 June 2016

Disney Magic Comes to Town

The magic of Disney came to Greenock today in the form of one of their Cruise ships - 'Disney Magic'.

Sadly we couldn't offer a magic start with the weather, but let's be honest, it could have rained hard and not just the light touch we experienced.

She looked great coming in and it was nice to see so many turning out for such an early start.

I expect the esplanade will be mobbed as she sails tonight.

Passing Gourock Inbound

Approaching Greenock

Twin Funnels

Pure Magic

Ship's Bridge

Screen on Display

Berthing at the Ocean Terminal

Goofy Adds the Final Touch

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

Sunday, 29 May 2016

Early Morning Train Haul

There had been an excursion running yesterday from Whitby to Gourock.

The train had stabled in Gourock overnight and due to head back (empty) to Bo'ness.

Scheduled time was 08:00 so an early start for a Sunday morning to get there for a few images.

Locomotive engines were running when I arrived and the drivers hoped to get away as soon as they could.

They left about fifteen minutes early.

Engines Running at Gourock Station

Preparing to Leave Gourock

Class 47 Diesel Locomotive (47832)

On Her Way

Taking the Rear

Bound for Bo'ness

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

Thursday, 26 May 2016

Around the Clyde

Fortunately I had my camera as I walked Maya, and also fortunate that a RN submarine was departing.

Caught her at the Cloch.

Later in the day I went to Greenock for some shoots on the cruise ship leaving - sadly it was a bit damp and cold.

Leisure and Defence Together

Vanguard Class Royal Navy Submarine

Heading to Sea

Passing Dunoon

Caribbean Princess Departing Greenock

Caribbean Princess

Caribbean Princess Outward Bound

Container Ship Waiting to Load

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

Sunday, 15 May 2016

TS Queen Mary Returns Home

Today we witnessed the return of the Scottish steamship TS Queen Mary.

She had left Tilbury Docks on Thursday and was ably towed north by the tug Venture.

Built by Denny of Dumbarton in 1933 she saw more than 40 years service including taking families and passengers 'doon the watter' on trips from Glasgow to destinations such as Dunoon, Rothesay, Millport and Arran.

Enthusiastic crowds lined the coast to catch a glimpse as she made her way home.

She was in her original configuration of twin funnels. She had for a time only one funnel after conversion work, but I think it's fitting she now has two again.

She is now berthed in the James Watt Dock in Greenock for some TLC.

The plan is to eventually berth her near the Finnieston Crane in Glasgow where she will be an attraction and reminder of days gone by.

Watching her make her way upriver - to the older generation like myself - was like taking a step back in time.