Ferry launch at Port Glasgow

Once a common occurence on the River Clyde, this was the first launch in 5 years from Ferguson's, the last remaining shipyard on the lower Clyde.

As was fitting for such a rare occassion, the launch was performed by Scotland's deputy first minister, Nicola Sturgeon.

MV Hallaig is the first of two hybrid dual fual ferries ordered by Caledonian MacBrayne.

Workers prepare for the ceremony

People starting to come in to witness the launch

Workmen removing the supports to allow the ship to slide into the water, well most of them are busy

Deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon performs the launch ceremony....

....while local schoolchildren and the public listen intently

There she goes!!! Hallaig slips smoothly into the water

Nicola Sturgeon posing for photos with the shipyard's first female apprentice

Glencoe

With a forecast of a sunny afternoon, we took a pleasant trip up the A82 to Glencoe looking for some snowscapes.

Although the expected weather did not come, instead giving us clouds and winds with frequent rain showers, it was a very enjoyable day.

Loch Achtriochtan

Loch Leven and Glencoe village

Sunset over Loch Linnhe

Vos Inspirer

Rescue vessel Vos Inspirer spent a few days in Garvel drydock.

I have to say that she looks so much better than she did when she went in a couple of weeks ago.

After coming out of the drydock she went into James Watt Dock to get her work boats put back in place.

Bowling basin and harbour

Today was my first visit to Bowling basin, where the Forth & Clyde canal meets the river Clyde.

The busy harbour is home to a mixture of modern yachts and cabin and cruisers, but there are also some beautiful more traditional style narrow boats.

There was also a small scale puffer replica names Wee Spark.

Wee Spark

Lock 38

Dungraftin, a narrow boat on the canal

Converted lifeboat Storm

Squirrel carving with Ersking Bridge in the background

Still waters of the basin

Bowling old harbour at sunset

Duck and swan sculpture

St Michael's Parish Church, Linlithgow

St Michaels church spire viewed from Linlithgow Palace

Saint Michael is the patron saint of the town of Linlithgow, in West Lothian.

This historic parich church, dating back to the 12th century, is named after him. This building has had a long and colourful history, a short summary of which is available on the parish's website.

Situated next door to Linlithgow Palace, the church was used by Scottish monarchy: Mary Queen of Scots was baptised here.

Looking from the west entrance towards the altar

The carpet was made in Tepleton's carpet factory in Glasgow

Lion and Unicorn heraldic shield

Flower decoration in the south west corner

The church has many beautifully ornate stained glass windows, some of which I have tried to capture.

Sailing ship Bounty's visit to Greenock, 2009

With the sinking of Bounty in Hurricane Sandy last month and the sad loss of two of her crew, including the captain, I decided to have a look back at some of my old photo galleries and came across some pictures of her berthed at Greenock in 2009.

Bounty was built for the 1962 version of the film 'Mutiny on the Bounty'. She was an enlarged reconstruction of the original HMS Bounty. She starred in other films including 'Treasure Island' and some of the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films.

Bounty berthed at Customhouse Quay

Stavros S Niarchos and Bounty - Customhouse Quay, Greenock, 14th Sept 2009

AMT Trader departing with aircraft carrier section LB04

Another piece of the giant jigsaw that will become HMS Queen Elizabeth started the long voyage from BAE Govan to Rosyth where the two new Royal Navy aircraft carriers are being assembled.

Section LB04 is one of the largest modules housing two engines, a hospital, galley and 242 berths.

Local tugs brought the barge down the river, where BB Troll and Carlo Magno were lying waiting to take over for the journey to the River Forth.

Ocean tugs BB Troll & Carlo Magno

These two tugs have spent the last few days in Glasgow.

This afternoon they headed for the Tail o' the Bank to await AMT Trader coming down with a large section of new aircaft carrier.

Their duty is to tow the barge to Rosyth where the carrier is being assembled.

BB Troll and Carlo Magno passing Erskine

BB Troll

BB Troll

Carlo Magno

Carlo Magno

Double header steam tour - The West Highlander

With the end of the Jacobite season now over ont the Fort William to Mallaig line, two of the engines returned to their base in Lancashire.

Once again the weather has not been with us as there have been several heavy showers this afternoon.

However there have been enough dry spells to allow some photos.

44871 approaching Crianlarich station

45407 'The Lancashire Fusilier'

44871 flying a pair of saltires

Double header taking on water at Crianlarich station

The 'West Highlander' approaching Arrochar station

45407 sitting at Arrochar