Flying Scotsman at Linlithgow

Well, I think the 3:30am alarm was worth it to see the Flying Scotsman before she picked up her passengers for the journey south.

The world's most famous steam train had been on display at Bo'ness yesterday and was due back on to the network line at 06:40 so an early start was required.

Having picked our chosen location for the pictures, we learnt this morning that the Glasgow to Edinburgh line has recently been electrified adding unsightly pylons to the bridge over the River Avon at Linlithgow.

However, I'm happy with today's pictures as she picks up speed out of Bo'ness Junction.

Vic 32

Watching the black smoke come out of her funnel reminds me of watching the tales of Captain Para Handy in the TV comedy Vital Spark: of the adventures of Para and his crew as they travel about the West of Scotland on board the little puffer.

Vic 32 has been restored and plies her trade nowadays carrying passengers on short holidays and day trips around the Clyde and Western Isles.

Here she is taking a party on a day trip from Glasgow 'Doon the Watter'.

MSC Splendida

Took a trip down to the Esplanade for the first of this year's big cruise liners.

MSC Splendida had arrived earlier this morning from Kirkwall on her trip round the British Isles.

She departed just after 7:30pm bound for Dublin on the next part of her journey.