Ark Royal sails into Scotland for last time after 25 years

THE Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal sailed into Scotland for the final time today as decommissioning work began on the vessel.

The carrier sailed down the Firth of Clyde before docking at Glen Mallan jetty on Loch Long to begin the process of unloading its ammunition.

It is being decommissioned after 25 years in service as part of Government cuts in defence spending. Removing the ship's bombs and rockets will take five days and Ark Royal will then embark on a farewell tour before sailing into Portsmouth for the very last time on December 3.

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Commanding Officer Capt Jerry Kyd, said: "It's quite a sad day for us in what is a sad week as it's the last time HMS Ark Royal will be at sea.

"It's the last cruise for a very iconic and very proud ship of the Royal Navy.

"There's a real sense of pride and dignity attached to this ship as it has served the country and the Navy so well for the last 25 years.

"For me it's a very emotional time as it is my third time on board, but I'm honoured to be here for her final few weeks.

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"She's world-famous and an excellent ship, so taking her out of service essentially three years early is sad for us all but one must remember we're in financial hard times and defence is no different."