Clyde Naval Base participates in festive fun

Personnel from HM Naval Base Clyde attended the Helensburgh Winter Festival on November 26-27, helping to both entertain and educate visitors at the event.

Hundreds attended the two-day festival in the town’s Colquhoun Square where a host of stalls, children’s entertainment, bands and street theatre were on display.

Performing on the square’s main stage were members of HMS Neptune Volunteer Band who kicked things off on the Saturday with a series of seasonal tunes designed to get the crowds in the festive spirit.

On the same day, Royal Navy Clearance Divers from the Clyde-based Northern Diving Group (NDG) brought along some of the equipment used when tackling explosive ordnance around the country, including their remote controlled bomb disposal robot which particularly impressed young festival-goers. 

Another favourite was the rigid inflatable boat brought along by the Clyde Marine Unit and used to protect high-value shipping on the river Clyde. 

Also representing the Ministry of Defence Police at the event was community police officer Russell White who attended with one of their emergency vehicles. 

The Festival, which has been on the go since 2012, is one of the biggest Winter Festivals in the West of Scotland.  Run by volunteers, the Festival has become a key even in Helensburgh’s calendar.