Thursday, 2 October 2014

"HMS" Onyx - Update


I popped in to the yard today and documented a few more images of 'Onyx' as the dismantling continues.

I've been disappointed to read incorrect comments on the entire scenario of the factual details of how the sad demise of her have been documented in various places on the web.

 I can discount this - "the yard had sold the rights to photograph the vessel" - as complete nonsense and with no evidence to support such a statement. So how many other statements have been made without foundation comes to my mind?

 I have a trustful and respectful relationship with the yard management that allows me to take images, and without their very kind approval we would not have secured images below decks before the dismantling began.

 For that I personally am very grateful, as I believe others should be.

 Unlike many who have gone to the yard without permission and any heed to safety issues, I have always ensured I have been respectful of the working environment and followed safety rules completely.

 As much as I would like to have seen 'Onyx' preserved it is clear that sufficient monies were never raised for what would have been a massive outlay. 

Also bear in mind that she lay at Barrow-in-Furness for about seven years but unfortunately the project there was unsuccessful. So past efforts were an indication of what could happen.

 In the absence of anything happening here I believe that it is good that the local workers at least have employment in the dismantling process, and that the job did not go to another country.

 Dismantling Continues


 High and Dry


 Beached View


 From the Beach Area


 From the Pier


Decay and Rust is Evident

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

Joint Warrior Exercise - Day One Arrivals


This was day one of the vessels arriving for the upcoming Joint Warrior exercise.

The tally was very low and as the minesweepers opted to drop anchor rather than head up to Faslane it was a bit frustrating.

To add to the woes, the Spanish ship arrived a very long time after the two Americans so there was a lot of hanging around.

Thankfully I had my good friends around to help pass the time as we chewed the fat.

One nice touch was the USS Vicksburg playing bagpipes as she passed Rhu Narrows - thanks guys - much appreciated.

I'll add more images to this Blog later so feel free to pop back in a day or two.

I've included the 'Shackleton' purely for interest as she is an unusual visitor here.

 USS Vicksburg 


 Deck Party

Decks Manned for Arrival

MOD Police Boat 'Jura' Escorting

USS Vicksburg Bound for Faslane

HMS Tyne

 USS Jason Dunham

ESPS Cristobal Colon


Shackleton Survey Vessel

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

Wednesday, 1 October 2014

'Isle of Arran' - Winter Maintenance


The Calmac ferry 'Isle of Arran' entered the Garvel Dry Dock this afternoon to undertake her annual maintenance.

She is the first of the fleet to come in for her winter service.

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon and fairly warm too.

All went smoothly and to plan.

 Going Astern in James Watt Dock


 Steady as She goes


Clear of the James Watt Dock


 Watching Eyes


 Lining Up for the Garvel Dry Dock


 Almost in the Dock


 Slowly Entering


 Coming in to the Garvel Dry Dock


 Straightening Up


 Moving Further in to the Dock

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

Tuesday, 30 September 2014

Svitzer Milford - Sea Trials


After an extensive refit the 'Svitzer Milford' headed out on sea trial today.

If all went well she should be returning to her normal duty rosta next week.

She is seen here preparing to depart the James Watt Dock

 Waiting to Cast Off

 Off the Berth

 Canting

Outward Bound

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

Sunday, 28 September 2014

James Watt Dock - Greenock


A busy wee time at the James Watt Dock this afternoon.

Fishery protection vessel 'Minna' arrived and safely berthed.

'Svitzer Milford' exited the Garvel dry dock ably assisted by the tug 'Battler' and entered the JAmes Watt Dock for final repair work.

'Lyra' Approaches the Dock

 Flag Lowered on the 'Minna'

 'Minna' Approaches the Dock

'Minna'

Steady as She Goes

 Safely in Dock

'Battler' Assists the 'Svitzer Milford'

Helping Hand

 'Battler' Assists the 'Svitzer Milford'

'SD Reliable' with a New Coat of Paint

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

Saturday, 20 September 2014

Clydeport Authority Headquarters - Glasgow


This was the third and final building on my 'Open Doors' journey in Glasgow today.

The original Clyde Trust Building was completed in 1886 and extended in 1906.

It's a wonderful example of the work of the architect Sir John James Burnet and has a very opulent interior.

There are a number of well appointed rooms with stained glass windows, French walnut panelling, mosaic floors, and gold leaf ornamentation adorning many areas.

This was then extended between 1906 and 1908 to create the building as it appears today.

It's an A-listed building as you might expect and well worth a visit.

Staircase


Meeting Room


Meeting Room


Panelled Room


Panelled Room


Corridor


Staircase


Lamps

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

Theatre Royal - Glasgow


A few images from the Theatre Royal 'Open Doors' tour.

Enjoyed the tour and the guide was very friendly and informative as we went around the theatre.

Always nice to see behind the scenes of these old theatres and hear some of the interesting history.

 Ambassador Lounge


 Foyer


 Stairway


Ornate Ceiling

 Seating


 Backstage


Looking Out from the Stage

 Sense of Height


Backstage

Backstage

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