Clyde giant returns to Greenock

RFA Fort Rosalie is heading to Greenock this weekend

One of the largest ships in the Royal Auxiliary Fleet (RFA) berths in Greenock on Friday.

The 23,000-tonne vessel RFA Fort Rosalie was built on the Clyde at Scotts' Shipbuilders in 1976.

The ship is returning to Greenock to offer support for the plans to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the shipbuilding firm in 2011.

The general public will be able to board the ship on Saturday. Guided tours will be available.

'Excellent support'

The commanding officer of RFA Fort Rosalie, Captain Vernon Ramsey-Smith, said: "I am proud to be bringing RFA Fort Rosalie back to Greenock and the Clyde where she was built some 34 years ago.

"It is a testament to the craftsmanship of Scotts' Shipbuilders and the people who worked on her that she continues to provide excellent support to the Royal Navy, now and into the future.

"I know we are always assured of a warm welcome to Inverclyde and I hope that as many people as possible come down to have a look around our ship."

Fort Rosalie was known as Fort Grange before a name change

The Royal Auxiliary Fleet is owned by the Ministry of Defence but manned by civilians.

The RFA supplies Royal Navy warships with vital supplies including fuel, food and ammunition. Aviation and amphibious support is also supplied by the RFA, along with secure sea transport for Army units.

Andy Gunn, chairman of the Friends of Scotts' Shipbuilders, said: "Fort Rosalie and sister ship Fort Austin were two of the finest ships ever built by Scotts'.

"Both have operated for many years in and out of the Clyde to Loch Long and anchored often at the tail of the bank. When she is lit up folk often remark 'what cruise ship is that?'

"Following on our visit to Fort Rosalie, it was thought it would be great if the general public could in turn view the ship and get the chance to witness Scotts' history, so I'm really proud that we have organised both."