Warship in emotional return home

The warship has been in service since 1976

HMS Glasgow has docked in its home city for a week before final preparations to decommission it next year.

The warship, a veteran of the Falklands and East Timor conflicts, is open to the public at Yorkhill Quay on Sunday.

Her commanding officer, Mike Wainhouse, said he was sure the stay in Glasgow would be emotional given its 28-year service.

Since its last visit in September 2003, the ship has travelled about 28,000 miles and visited 14 countries.

During its stay, school pupils and those seeking a career in the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines will have the chance to board the Type 42 Destroyer.

I hope that this visit will be a fitting end to a close relationship that has lasted over 25 years Mike Wainhouse HMS Glasgow

Trainee chefs from local colleges will also have the opportunity to gain practical experience working in the ship's galley.

Mr Wainhouse said: "It is apt that HMS Glasgow's final port visit should be to our affiliated city and I am sure that it will be an emotional one.

"We are extremely proud of our strong links with the city of Glasgow and I am sure that we will be made to feel most welcome.

"I hope that this visit will be a fitting end to a close relationship that has lasted over 25 years and that the city's links with the Royal Navy will continue to flourish."

HMS Glasgow, which was launched in 1976, will leave the city for the final time on Monday, 18 October and return to Portsmouth where she will begin preparations for decommissioning early next year.