Royal Navy patrols head up the west coast this summer - calling in at Lochboisdale, Stornoway and Ullapool

Three of the Royal Navy’s P2000 Archer Class Patrol Boats will visit the West Coast of Scotland as part of their summer deployment.
Four Archer Class P2000 Patrol Boats together at sea.Four Archer Class P2000 Patrol Boats together at sea.
Four Archer Class P2000 Patrol Boats together at sea.

The ships – HMS Biter, HMS Charger and HMS Express – support University Royal Naval Units (URNUs) and are spending a fortnight training on the west coast.

Between July 6th to 20th the vessels will stop-off at various harbours and lochs in between conducting waterborne training where they will practice maritime skills.

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Captain Chris Smith, Naval Regional Commander for Scotland and Northern Ireland said: “The P2000s may be small, but they pack a punch and regularly exercise around the UK and Europe as well as supporting the Fleet.

“Usually we would be hosting visits from local groups and organisations, but, with the current situation, this is unfortunately not possible. We still hope to engage with local organisations across social media and using new technologies however, and if people spot the ships in their area please do give them a wave!”

Each of the vessels is affiliated to Universities around the country and has a core crew of full-time Royal Navy sailors, which in normal times, would be augmented by members of the University Royal Nav al Units (URNUs).

“As this is not possible this time, due to the current restrictions, each vessel will use new technologies to have a weekly virtual drill night with their associated URNU.

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At just over 20-meters long, the P2000s are some of the smallest ships in the Fleet and perfect for navigation and seamanship training.

It also means they can access smaller harbours which, because of their size, usually can’t host Royal Navy ships.

The Royal Navy has 14 Fast Inshore Patrol Craft which together form the First Patrol Boat Squadron.

Although their primary role is to support the URNUs, two of them, HMS Tracker and HMS Raider, are permanently based at HMNB Clyde where they are part of the team safeguarding the nuclear fleet.

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At the same time Biter, Charger and Express undertake their West Coast deployment, four boats - Trumpeter, Archer, Explorer and Example - will sail up the east coast.

This week the three ships will call in at Port Ellen, Oban and Fort William. Further ports of call are planned, including; Kyle of Lochalsh, Ullapool, Stornoway, Loch Boisdale and Tobermory with dates to be confirmed.