A ROYAL Navy ship considered to be one of the busiest in the fleet has been spotted on the Firth of Clyde.
HMS Mersey was seen heading up past Little Cumbrae, as viewed from Portencross.
HMS Mersey is a River-class offshore patrol vessel of the British Royal Navy.
Named after the River Mersey, she is the fifth Royal Navy vessel to carry the name and the first to be named Mersey in 84 years.
Launched in 2003, HMS Mersey is the youngest of the original batch of River-class offshore patrol vessels.
Led by Lieutenant Commander James Mitchell, HMS Mersey is one of the busiest ships in the Royal Navy Fleet, averaging 220 days at sea every year.
Most of these are dedicated to fishery protection, working to ensure adherence to quotas and regulations.
Given her regular presence in home waters, HMS Mersey is also frequently involved in monitoring the movements of foreign warships as they pass the UK.
