Union of South Africa

The Forth Bridge is one of Scotland's most easily recognised icons. Up till today I had never photographed it.

When I saw that the Union of South Africa was scheduled to cross it on a circular tour of the Forth it was an opportunity which I could not resist.

I had a most enjoyable day capturing the A4 loco at various locations on the tour.

A4 class steam loco 6009 Union of South Africa

60009 passing alongside Culross coastal path

Union of South Africa passing under one of the Forth Bridge's arches

Union of South Africa at Culross

Stopped to take on water at Dalmeny

Approaching Polmont station

North Queensferry station

Evening pictures

Enjoying the improvement in the weather recently along with longer evenings, I came back home with these two pictures, both taken on separate days.

The first picture was taken at the last full moon earlier this month, when we had a beautiful clear evening with very little cloud in the sky. This was taken with a 500mm lens with the contrast and sharpness adjusted in Photoshop.

The view of Gourock from Lyle Hill is instantly recognisable but is still one of my favourites. For this sunset I took 3 exposures and combined them into a HDR image but I decided not to exaggerate the effect. A grey grad was used to stop the sky from being over exposed.

HNoMS Thor Heyerdahl

After completing her role in the  NATO Joint Warrior exercise, the Norwegian Frigate HNoMS Thor Heyerdahl spent some time in Glasgow.

She passed Greenock in the early morning sunshine on her way upriver.

MacBrayne's buses

At one time MacBrayne buses would have provided a vital link for the many residents in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

They were taken over by the Scottish Bus Group in the early seventies.

Some of their buses have been restored by enthusiasts and they are brought along to events and rallies throughout Scotland.

Two of these buses were at Glasgow's Riverside Museum and passengers were taken for a short trip through the west end of Glasgow.