I'm sorry...

For some reason and I'm not sure why, but I decided not to post on either the YouTube channel or the blog for over 6 months now and for that I am sorry. My New Years resolution is to post on a regular basis and some YouTube videos will be going up in the short future.

Here are some pictures taken in the months I've been away.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Waverley and Balmoral, Glasgow.

An unusual event occurred at the end of May in which both Waverley and Balmoral were berthed in Glasgow for the first time in over 20 years. Waverley was preparing for her sailings to the Western Isles which started on June 1st and Balmoral had just arrived in Glasgow for the first time in nearly 4 years following a new generator being delivered in Greenock. This can be seen as the grey box at the stern and will be fitted properly next winter.

Balmoral's 2012 season starts on June 14th with sailings in the Irish Sea. Waverley's Clyde sailings start with her 65th anniversary sailings on June 15th and 16th.

City of Adelaide, 19/05/12.

As it was low tide I took the advantage of being able to walk all the way round the 1864 built Clipper ship City of Adelaide at Irvine to get a few unique pictures. Access is now very limited to her with 24 hour security and new gates fitted around the slip.

The cradle which will carry her to her destination is now completed and will be re-assembled around the City shortly. Lets hope the cradle will take her to a bright new future whether that be in Sunderland or Australia.

Our nations maritime heritage.

PADDLE STEAMER WAVERLEY - Last going sea Paddle Steamer in the World, built 1946.

MOTOR VESSEL BALMORAL - Built 1949.

PADDLE STEAMER MAID OF THE LOCH - Last paddle steamer built in Britain, built 1953.

CITY OF ADELAIDE - Oldest surviving clipper ship, built 1864.

THE SECOND SNARK - Built 1938.



And much more.

Cailin Oir on the Kilcreggan run. 05/05/12.

The usual ferry on this run now, Island Princess was unfortunately experiencing engine problems after a creel line was caught in a prop. Buses were running from Gourock to Kilcreggan, however the expected journey time was 90 minutes! So Clydelink put their back up vessel, the Cailin Oir into service. Problem is she has not been properly certified so can only carry 12 passengers. She is seen here in service on Saturday 5th May 2012, carrying a handful of passengers each time.

Island Princess was back in service by Wednesday 9th May, her engine having to be completely rebuilt at Silvers Marine's yard in Rosneath.

Waverley arriving into Glasgow. 3/5/12.

Following annual overhaul with fleet mate Balmoral in Greenock, Paddle Steamer Waverley is seen arriving back into her home berth at Plantation Quay by the Glasgow Science Centre at 1500. Balmoral is due to follow her on Friday.

A big thanks also to the kind crew on board Waverley, who allowed me and a group of people a quick look at the engines.

Dunoon and Greenock. 28/4/12.

Some shots of Ali Cat and Argyll Flyer working their duties between Gourock and Dunoon and also of Waverley and Balmoral in dry dock. They were moved from dry dock on Monday 30th April and Waverley is due to move down river to Plantation Quay on Thursday, followed by Balmoral on Friday.