Azamara Quest

Although we've had a steady flow of cruise ships coming into Greenock this summer, I haven't managed down to see as many as I would have liked.

I did however, see Azamara Quest leaving this evening. She is heading round to the east coast of Scotland where its golfing party are reportedly paying a visit to the open golf tournament at Muirfiled.

Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow Palace's spectacular jousting event is so much more than the name suggests.

Costumed men and women portrayed a variety of lifestyles and trades to the assembled masses.

Historic Scotland once again have put on a first class show.

Linlithgow Palace

Re-enactment of the Battle of Largs

A falconer

Weapons and armour

Colourful costumes

Who will buy these beautiful hand made boots?

A medievil board game

Back to the main business of the day

A direct hit on the return run

Battle resumes on foot

Jousting at Linlithgow Palace

My return visit to Linlithgow for this year's jousting exhibition was every bit as enjoyable as my first trip here last summer.

The weather was fabulous which helped to enhance an already excellent day out.

'The Knights of Royal England' were more than welcome on the peel at Linlithgow Palace as they provided a wonderful day's entertainment for the large audience.

Not all of the action took place on horseback. There was plenty of hand to hand combat as well, as you will see below.

Some more pictures from today are on a second post here

Bo'ness and Kinneil railway

Our first stop on a day of travelling back in time took us to the beautifully preserved Bo'ness railway station.

On hauling duty this morning was steam loco 75254, built in 1945 and painted in her original War Department colour.

In 1963 she was sold to the National Coal Board from where she was acquired by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society who restored her to the wonderful condition she is in today.

Largs Pencilpoint monument

The year was 1263 and King Hakon of Norway had brought anarmy to attempt to reassert his sovreignty over the west of Scotland.

While his fleet was gathered in the Firth of Clyde fate and the weather forced several of his ships aground near what is now Largs.

The Scottish army arrived while Hakon's men were trying to salvage their ships and the now famous Battle of Largs took place on the beach.

The outcome of the battle was inconclusive and not considered to be of historical significance.

The pencil monument was construced in 1912 and Largs now holds an anual festival to comemorate the battle, 2013 being the 750th anniversary.

BAE barge move

The latest section of aircraft carrier passing Greenock on its journey by sea round the north of Scotland.

This module will become the rear island of HMS Queen Elizabeth, currently being assembled at Rosyth.

Loch Thom & Gryffe

We complain often enough about the weather when it is cold or wet, but it was neither of these when I took a wander aroung the Gryffe reservoir and Loch Thom area.

Having waited till late afternoon, the sunlight was less intense and ideal for walking in.

One of many streams arounf Gryffe reservoir

Gryffe reservoir

Heron patiently waiting the arrival of lunch

Loch Thom compensation reservoir