This impressive vessel based at Fairlie Quay during recent weeks has been inspecting the submarine electricity cables powering the community of Great Cumbrae.

It is the Glomar Wave, a multi-purpose DP2 vessel, 65,9m in length with a beam of 13.2m, with a transit speed of 12 knots.

The electricity cables were being inspected to ensure that Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks can continue to provide a safe reliable supply of electricity to island residents and businesses, also on Bute and Arran.

The inspections were performed by a remotely operated vehicle, fitted with a video camera, multi-beam echo sounder and a sub bottom imager, which was launched over the side of the vessel.

The vessel was working on a 24 hour basis.

During operations, the Glomar Waver was restricted in the ability to manoeuvre, All vessels operating in the area were requested to maintain a safe distance of 500m and to pass at minimum speed to avoid vessel wash effects.

The cables inspected were between Bute and Cumbrae, Kames and Bute, and Carrandale to Arran during a five day period.