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German Warships in Lochryan

ONLOOKERS were surprised to see military vessels flying German flags in Lochryan last week.

But a Naval spokesman said there was no cause for concern. The vessels are part of a NATO exercise and reports of an invasion are greatly exaggerated!

The ships, vessels from a German fast patrol boat squadron, were in Lochryan last Wednesday. They pulled in to the sheltered waters of the loch for an overnight stop while en route to Faslane on the Clyde.

The four patrol boats and two support vessels left Faslane after a short stop and are now exercising off North-West Scotland.

A Navy spokesman said:

"The patrol boats are between 20- and 25-years-old, but can do 40 knots. The two larger vessels with them are support ships which are required as there is not a lot of space on the smaller boats to store fresh water and supplies.

"They are over here on a joint maritime course, which is a UK exercise, but also involves our NATO partners."

The squadron which pulled into Lochryan is now operating in The Minches off the Western Isles.