Ark Royal set for a new role

JUST two weeks after the Royal Navy flagship HMS Illustrious sailed up the River Forth for a £40 million, 18-month refit at Rosyth, sister ship HMS Ark Royal paid a visit to Scotland.

The "Mighty Ark" sailed up the Firth of Clyde to berth at Glen Mallen where it is taking on arms that will allow it to take up duties as the nation's strike carrier. HMS Ark Royal recently had an intensive six weeks of sea trials to assess its war fighting and disaster relief capabilities.

Later this year, the aircraft carrier will deploy on Exercise Auriga, working with Joint Force Harrier, Royal Navy helicopter squadrons and warships HMS Sutherland and HMS Liverpool, plus the Royal Fleet Auxiliaries Wave Knight and Fort Victoria.