Tag Archives: ship

Daily Sketch

Rising from the waters

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I had a tour of the Ocean Mist in Leith today, the newly restored ship on the shore has a new level, and some impressive plans.

Owners Alan and Nadia Pedley hope to open for business before the end of the year, and although there is still plenty to do their whole family is pitching in and I am sure they will get there on time.

The décor inside is high end, tailored wood panelling and beautifully designed ironwork guides you around the three story floating hotel.

The finishing touches nod to the art deco style of the 1920’s, from when the ship had its hey day and throughout the hotel you will find links to the boats glorious past.

I can’t wait to return once the Ocean Mist is ready for guests, to have a whisky at the bar and to be transported to the luxurious past, without even leaving the dock.

Follow the progress of the Ocean Mist on their Instagram page HERE

This sketch I made after the tour, whilst enjoying a fine coffee from Custom Lane

Daily Sketch

The Dazzle Ship in Leith, Edinburgh

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DazzleShip

Stunning reflections of the mesmerising Dazzle Ship by Ciara Phillips, in Leith as part of Edinburgh Art Festival 2016.

The contemporary coloured Dazzle Ship docked in Leith (near Ocean Terminal) was designed by the Turner Prize-nominated artist Ciara Phillips and will be available to see until August 28th.

Ciara Phillips’ Every Woman was co-commissioned by Edinburgh Art Festival and 14-18 NOW: WW1 Centenary Art Commissions and is actually the fourth Dazzle Shipto be commissioned after similar works in London and Liverpool which collectively commemorate the period from 2014 to 2018.

It wasn’t until I got up close to the shear size of the bold strokes of colour that I fell in love with the piece.

These unmissable floating artworks provide a visual connection to the hundreds of Dazzle Ships that crossed the seas during the First World War.

I had passed the ship by car and seen it from a distance but it wasn’t until I got up close to the shear size of the bold strokes of colour that I fell in love with the piece. Go and see it on the Prince of Wales Dock where there is also information panels telling the story of this artwork and more about the history of Dazzle Ships.

You can also get involved by creating your own ‘dazzle’ design on the Dazzle It App, follow the 14-18 Now link below to find out more.

Ciara Phillips

Edinburgh Art Festival website

14-18-Now website

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Daily Sketch

A festive trip on board The Royal Yacht Britannia

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RoyalYachtBritannia_festiveDrawingRmToday the I took the Sketcher family for a festive trip aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, which is permanently berthed at Ocean Terminal in Leith.

The ship was launched from the John Brown & Company shipyard in Clydebank on 16 April, 1953. For over 44 years she served the Royal Family, travelling over one million miles to become the most famous ship in the world.

 

A floating museum I find seeing the cabins, engine and living rooms fascinating, especially just now as the whole ship has a festive sparkle. The Sketcher twins loved it too, now almost five they loved using the ‘speaking’ hand held boxes. Keying in the numbers of each room which then led to them being told a little history about the location.

 

The sketch above is from the very Christmassy Drawing Room on board, and the one below is the deck which curves around the ship.

 

Look out for Captain Bear on board too, count the furry toys as you travel around the attraction for a chance to win a family hamper from the Royal Yacht Britannia gift shop.

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The Royal Yacht Britannia website

Watch what happened when Santa visited the Royal Yacht Britannia HERE

 

 

Daily Sketch

Fascinating facts and fantastic food on board the Royal Yacht Britannia

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Britannia_montageHome to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years the Royal Yacht Britannia has sailed over 1 million miles around the world.

 

Now permanently berthed at Ocean Terminal in Leith, the five-star attraction is one of Edinburgh’s must see destinations for visitors to the city, however for the Sketcher family it was our first time on board. It was fascinating to see how the Royal family traveled and how homely the boat was, more like a stately home than a boat. The twins (seated under the ship’s bell in the sketch) loved looking around the many decks, cabins and hiding places, sitting in the Captains chair and trying on the uniforms.

 

A nice touch was that as the adults had listening devices telling us about the history of each room the children had their own version with watered down history and ‘Can you find the…’ type quizzes to keep them amused. Look out for the wooden monkey too…

 

Food on board didn’t disappoint either, it isn’t the cheapest place to eat in Leith but the Royal Deck Tea Room is a fine dining experience, with great views over the harbour. The servings are ample and very well cooked.

 

I recommend a trip on board both for those interested in the ships unique history and families after a educational day out, its a fascinating floating museum.

The Royal Yacht Britannia website