Ark Royal bids farewell to Scotland as it sails into history after 25 years

The Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal left Scotland yesterday for the final time.

The flagship carrier spent five days at Glen Mallan Jetty on Loch Long for the removal of ammunition. Ark Royal is being decommissioned after 25 years as part of Government cuts in defence spending.

Accompanied by a flotilla of tugs and patrol boats, the 683ft long ship sailed down the Firth of Clyde to a water cannon salute before turning towards the islands of Bute and Arran. Lieutenant Commander Gordon Ruddock, a former senior warfare officer on Ark Royal, watched.

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He said: "Ark Royal has been a regular visitor to Scotland, both at Glen Mallan and Faslane and as a frequent participant in the multinational Joint Warrior exercises, so it's a sad day to see her leave Clyde shores for the last time.

"The ship has a real community feel and the crews have always been both welcoming and friendly, as well as very professional and capable.

"I learned a lot on board which will continue with me throughout my naval career and so, yes, this has been a poignant day for me."

The ship will now spend two days at sea in the north of Scotland before sailing into Newcastle to be docked at Northumbrian Quay for public viewing. Ark Royal then leaves Newcastle for a short visit to Hamburg before returning to British shores.