VOS Iona

VOS Iona came up the river last night and is currently in the James Watt Dock, presumably waiting to go into Garvel Drydock.

I nipped along for some pictures of her in the dock.

2 cruise liner visits this week

With the end of the cruise liner season approaching, we had two visits this week.

The first visit, on Thursday, was a newconer to the Clyde. Seabourn Sojourn arrived shortly after 7am.

Later that evening Emerald Princess arrived, although she wasn't due in till Friday morning - her schedule changed due to the bad weather.

Seabourn Sojourn making her debut visit to the Clyde

Seabourn Sojourn

Emerald Princess departing from Greenock Ocean Terminal

Emerald Princess

Emerald Princess heading for the Emerald Isle

Dutch Gable House - Doors Open Day

As part of Inverclyde's doors open day, the Dutch Gable House in William Street was open for the public to visit.

The building is owned by Inverclyde Community Development Trust and has recently been renovated. The house was built in 1755 and is one of the oldest buildings in Greenock.

Entrance of Dutch Gable House

Ground floor room of Dutch Gable House

First floor room of Dutch Gable House

This house, behind the Dutch Gable House, is even older being built in 1751

STS Lord Nelson departure

Lord Nelson departed Greenock around 5:30 this afternoon for her 9 day voyage round the western isles.

Her new crew having arrived today were put to work as she pulled away from the quay.

STS Lord Nelson berthed at Customhouse Quay

Briefing the new crew

Hauling the ropes

Getting a gentle push away from the quay

Lord Nelson turning to head back down river

RIB crew catching up with the ship

Lord Nelson sailing off on her voyage round the Western Isles

STS Lord Nelson

STS Lord Nelson is one of two tall ships owned and operated by Jubilee Sailing Trust.

Both ships are designed and built to enable people of all physical abilities to sail side-by-side as equals. 

Lord Nelson arrived in Greenock on Friday and is due to depart today on a 9 day voyage around the Western Isles of Scotland.

Save Clyde Coastguard demonstration

A good crowd gathered on Greenock Esplanade this evening to show their support for the Clyde Coastuard base which is due to be axed in government cuts this December.

A few dozen small boat were holding a red flare demonstration as part of a campaign against this unpopular action.

A good crowd gather to watch the red flare demonstration

Some of the boats taking part

The surface of the river lights up

A flare held aloft in protest at the closure

No boat is too small to be heard

Waverley heading south

After spending the summer months around the Clyde, it's time for Waverley to head down south for a few weeks.