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Tracker on track during Scottish deployment

Faslane Patrol Boat HMS Tracker recently stopped at Drumstaffnage, near Oban, as part of a three-week Scottish deployment.

The Royal Navy P2000 vessel, whose usual duties involve protecting shipping on the Clyde, set off from her home port at Faslane on May 15.

Since then she has stopped briefly at Campbeltown and traversed the Mull of Kintyre, arriving at Drumstaffnage Marina late on Tuesday.

During the journey HMS Tracker and her crew conducted training, brining on board two Maritime Reservists from HMS Hibernia, based in Northern Ireland, to practice their seamanship skills.

This was my first time on board a P2000 vessel at sea and I have been impressed with how a small ship's company work well together

Warrant Officer Welsh

Also on board, experiencing life on the surface, was Warrant Officer Welsh - a Royal Navy submariner with almost 30 years of service.

"This was my first time on board a P2000 vessel at sea and I have been impressed with how a small ship's company work well together and are prepared to react to any situation," said Warrant Officer Welsh.

"Usually I spend my time below decks, but I have really enjoyed the last few days being able to see the Scottish coast.

"The Gulf of Corryvreckan was a particular highlight, but unfortunately we were not able to see "the Hag" whirlpool as we went through the Gulf between the islands of Scarba and Jura."

Over the next few days HMS Tracker will continue her transit north towards and through the Caledonian Canal embarking people from the local communities at various stages throughout the route.

During the three weeks the ship will visit Fort Augustus, Inverness, Lossiemouth, Wick, Orkney, Stornoway, Portree and Tobermory.

An armed patrol boat, HMS Tracker is fitted with Kevlar armour and able to operate three 7,62mm General Purpose Machine Guns. Along with her sister-ship, HMS Raider, Tracker provides force protection for high value shipping on the Clyde.

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