A FASLANE patrol boat has set off from port at HM Naval Base Clyde on a three-week deployment around Scotland.

HMS Tracker, the modified Royal Navy Archer class P2000 vessel helps protect high-value shipping and is a common sight on the River Clyde.

The boat is part of the Faslane Patrol Boat Squadron and rarely leaves the dockyard port so the crew jumped on the chance to undertake the Caledonian cruise and visit other parts of Scotland.

Among the locations HMS Tracker and the crew will visit are Islay, Fort Augustus, Inverness, Lossiemouth, Wick, Orkney, Stornoway, Portree and Tobermory.

Lieutenant Commander James Mitchell, Commanding Officer of HMS Tracker, said: "The next three weeks will see us sail around the west coast of Scotland, transit the Caledonian Canal to Inverness, and visit Orkney and the Inner Hebrides.

“The Faslane Patrol Boat Squadron performs an important role, helping to protect the River Clyde and high-value vessels which use the dockyard port. We are really looking forward to sailing around Scotland and explaining the work the Royal Navy does to protect the country."

During the three-week deployment the vessel will also host a number of school visits, train alongside the RNLI and Coast Guard and demonstrate and practice seamanship to potential Royal Navy recruits.

HMS Tracker was commissioned into the Royal Navy in 1998 and is one of two patrol boats that for the Faslane Patrol Boat Squadron, which provide Force Protection in and around Faslane.