Western Ferries on a Blustery Day

A wet and blustery day today but managed out for a while.

Braved the winds to get a few images of Western ferries at McInroys Point in Gourock before heading home.

 Sound of Soay Off McInroy's Point

Sound of Soay Bound for Hunters Quay

Sound of ShunaApproaching McInroy's Point

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

West Highland Railway Line

Today saw the return of the steam locomotives utilised on the Jacobite Train Tours on the award winning Fort William to Mallaig Railway line.

The season having been completed they returned to their respective homes for some TLC.

As there would be three steam locomotives coming down the day was planned.

A visit to Garelochhead to catch the first one - 62005 - as she would have quite a long stop there.

Then a run up to the line past Tyndrum to catch the double header that was headed for Crianlarich.

Quite a tight schedule made worse with the traffic lights for road improvements and slow cars on the A82.

Just after they passed the stretch we headed back down to Crianlarich station where they were taking on water. Again this was a long stop so time on my side.

Arrived to the usual circus of enthusiast vying to get their photographs.

The rain didn't stay away too long and back to car for a brew and a sandwich. Then - in the rain - back up to the platform in the hope that the crowds had died away.

Still a few held on for their photos but a lot quieter than earlier.

Finally up to the bridge across the tracks outside Crianlarich to get them as they pulled up the incline.

With the very heavy rain and poor light it was a challenge but glad I stayed.

Then down the road to home to dry out and recharge the batteries.

 Double Header Arriving at Garelochhead

Double Header Arriving at Garelochhead

Diesel Locomotive Class 37 (37518) at Garelochhead

 Steam Locomotive 62005 at Garelochhead

 Diesel Locomotive Class 37 (37518) at Garelochhead

 Donnie Chats with the Train Crew at Garelochhead

Steam Locomotive 62005 at Garelochhead 

 Double Header at Garelochhead

Steam Locomotive 62005 at Garelochhead

Double Header at Garelochhead

Double Header Approaching Tyndrum


Heading to Crianlarich Station

Double Header at Crianlarich Station

Steam Locomotive (45407) in the Rain at Crianlarich Station

 Steam Locomotive (45407) at Crianlarich Station

Steam Locomotive (45407) Leaving Crianlarich in Torrential Rain

West Highland Railway Line in 2013

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

MV Bute - Dry Dock for Winter Maintenance

The CalMac ferry 'MV Bute' went in to the Garvel dry dock late this morning for her winter maintenance.

I was a little late in arriving as I'd expected her to wait for a bit more tide, but managed to get a few images just the same.

'MV Bute' entering Garvel Dry Dock

 'MV Bute' entering Garvel Dry Dock

 'MV Bute' in the Garvel Dry Dock

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

Zombie Night Run in Helensburgh

Helensburgh was the location for a Zombie Night Run tonight.

For personal reasons I've decided not to publish any images.

However if I photographed you or your team - and you wish a copy for personal use only - then please contact me direct - Click Here

Knapps Loch - Near Kilmacolm

An early start again this morning to try and catch a worthwhile sunrise at Knapps Loch near Kilmacolm.

Carefully walked across the field dodging the areas where the cows had been I arrived at the edge of the loch. Cold of course but not yet in to the bitter frosty mornings.

The Loch is artificial and was created in the early 20th century by the local angling club.

 It has a number of small islands and a small boathouse with landing stage - all kept in very good and neat condition.

After my initial shots I walked around the side looking for a variation of potential images.

There were numerous spider webs adorning the gorse bushes but what little wind that was blowing was enough to make sharp images difficult in the early light.

I feel rewarded with the morning light and hope my images reflect this.

 Knapps Loch at Sunrise - Near Kilmacolm

 Knapps Loch

 Spiders' Webs

Sun Rising at Knapps Loch

Trees at Knapps Loch

Knapps Loch Near Kilmacolm

Early Morning at Knapps Loch Near Kilmacolm

Early Autumn Sun at Knapps Loch

Knapps Loch

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

Sunday's Adventures

A noon start as I headed across to Garelochhead safe in the knowledge that a Diesel locomotive was due to go through the station.

A little early on her arrival but fortunately so was I, so that worked out well.

Then up to Glasgow for a visit to the Riverside Museum and to the Glennlee Tall Ship exhibit.

A nice - fairly priced - bowl of soup aboard was very welcome and the service was friendly and efficient.

All in all, not a bad afternoon and now plenty of images to edit.

West Coast Railways Class 47 Diesel Locomotive (47760) at Garelochhead Station 

 Class 47 Diesel Locomotive (47760) Climbs Uphill from Garelochhead

Eastern Scottish Vintage Bus at Riverside Museum

 Bowsprit of the Glenlee Tall Ship

 Cargo Hold

 Poop Deck Accommodation

Riverside Museum

Reflections

High Cycles

Old Street Scene

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

MOD Festival Torchlight Procession in Paisley

The Mòd Phàislig began in style tonight with a torchlit procession down Paisley High Street - led by the Greater Glasgow Police Scotland Pipe Band, and followed by local schoolchildren to brighten up the occasion.

The procession stopped at intervals as we were entertained with music, singing, country dancing, the telling of a witchcraft tale, and eventually ending at the Abbey.

There the lady Provost gave words of welcome and expressed her delight that this event was being staged in Paisley.

It is anticipated that more than 8,000 people will visit Paisley as it hosts Scotland’s flagship celebration of traditional and Gaelic culture for the first time in it's history.

Stilt Walker Prepares for the Procession

Brightening Up the Occasion

Greater Glasgow Police Scotland Pipe Band Lead the Torchlit Procession


Local Schoolchildren Participate in the Torchlit Procession


Greater Glasgow Police Scotland Pipe Band Lead the Torchlit Procession

 A Smiling Face Shows Enjoyment at the Torchlit Procession

Torchlit Procession for the MOD in Paisley

 Scottish Country Dancers Entertain at the Torchlit Procession

Everyone Seems to be Enjoying the Torchlit Procession 

Accordion Music in the Square

Local Schoolchildren Join in the Torchlit Procession

A Tale of Witchcraft at the Torchlit Procession 

Lady Provost Welcomes the Torchlit Procession 

Torchlit Procession for the MOD in Paisley 

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