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HM Naval Base Clyde, Helensburgh (2026)

27/08/2026

MUSICAL talent from around the globe descended on Edinburgh Castle from August 7th-29th as it once again became the iconic backdrop for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The theme of this year’s event was “A Call to Gather”, and gather they did, with a huge variety of musical performers descending on the Castle’s Esplanade for the entertainment extravaganza.

The Royal Navy was proud, to once again, host a series of special evenings at the 2026 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The designated evenings brought together senior military leaders, government partners, international allies and industry representatives to celebrate our shared values, enduring partnerships and maritime excellence.

Each evening showcased a key theme reflecting the Royal Navy's strategic priorities and international relationships:

Saturday 15 August | USA 250

Marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, Saturday evening celebrated the deep and enduring partnership between the Royal Navy, United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. Hosted by Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Paul Beattie CBE, guests joined senior UK and US military leaders in recognising generations of cooperation and shared commitment to global security.

Monday 17 August | Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) and the High North

Hosted by Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse CBE, Monday’s event highlighted the importance of the Joint Expeditionary Force and the growing significance of the High North region. The evening brought together defence leaders from across partner nations to celebrate collective security and operational collaboration.

Wednesday 19 August | USA Nuclear Partnership

Once again hosted by Fleet Commander, Wednesday evening recognised the long-standing strategic partnership between the United Kingdom and United States in support of the Continuous At Sea Deterrent. Both senior British and American naval leaders attended the evening, celebrating the decades of cooperation that underpin regional and global stability.

Thursday 20 August | Hybrid Navy and Shipbuilding

Hosted by Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren OBE, Defence Adviser to the Middle East, the evening focused on innovation, transformation and the future of maritime capability. Guests explored how advances in technology, digital systems and shipbuilding are shaping the next generation of the Royal Navy.

Saturday 22 August | Clyde Transformation Programme

The last of the Royal Navy hosting nights was once again hosted by Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Paul Beattie CBE, and highlighted the strategic importance of HM Naval Base Clyde and the partnerships supporting its ongoing transformation. The event brought together defence, industry and regional stakeholders to celebrate investment, opportunity and the future of the Royal Navy's presence in Scotland.

With REMT coming to close this week, the Royal Navy looks forward to welcoming guests to Edinburgh for next year’s celebrations where they’ll have the lead, celebrating the strong partnerships that continue to strengthen maritime security and defence cooperation around the world.

As well as Tattoo staples of the Massed Pipes and Drums and Tattoo Dancers, this year also saw performances from the Massed Military Bands of the RAF; the German Army Band Koblenz; the US Army Field Band; Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team; the 10th Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment Pipes and Drums; the 145 (Scottish) Regiment Royal Logistic Corps; Vancouver Police Pipe and Drums; the Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment; and the New Zealand Army Band.

It made for a spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo show – one that was seen by an estimated 220,000 visitors and watched by around 100 million TV viewers world-wide.

The first public military tattoo in Edinburgh took place in 1949 in Princes Street Gardens. In 1950 the first official Tattoo was held on the Esplanade attracting around 6,000 spectators.

It was in 2010 that the event became the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo after HM Queen Elizabeth II awarded it the Royal title to mark 60 years of performances.

📸 LPhot Connor Kilbride and LPhot Scott Barnett

24/08/2026

CYCLING SUPERSTAR and two times Olympic gold medal winner Victoria Pendleton visited HM Naval Base Clyde on 18th – 19th August in her role as Honorary Colonel in the Royal Marine Reserves.

The British Cycling Hall of Fame winner arrived at the military site in style, boarding a Royal Marines vessel behind Braehead Shopping Centre in Glasgow before being whisked up the River Clyde to the base courtesy of 43 Commando’s Boat Group who were on a routine patrol.

The trip allowed her to see first-hand the maritime environment in which the Royal Marines operate.

Once at HMNB Clyde, she met with some of the elite Commandos who help protect the nation’s nuclear deterrent, receiving briefings on the Group’s role, speaking with some of the Marines on duty, and witnessing the specialist skills required to deliver nuclear safety operations.

Victoria, who was appointed an Honorary Colonel in July 2024, also visited an Astute Class vessel alongside HM Naval Base Clyde and, later, hopped back in the saddle to lead a spin class within the site’s Sportsdrome facility.

Leading Physical Trainer Jake Lavender said: “What an incredible day at the gym! It was fantastic to welcome Olympic gold medallist Victoria Pendleton for a tour and spinning class.

“Meeting someone who has achieved so much on the world stage was a real privilege, and her enthusiasm and down-to-earth attitude made the experience even more memorable.

“Victoria’s visit was a huge inspiration to everyone involved and highlighted the positive impact that elite athletes can have in motivating others to pursue their own fitness goals.”

After the hectic activity there was a chance for Victoria to sit down and relax with military personnel for a cup of tea and chat about their experiences in the military.

The Olympian finished her visit by travelling to nearby Loch Lomond where she joined members of the HMS Oardacious rowing team on the Bonnie Banks.

The team of four Royal Navy personnel are currently in training for the annual “World’s Toughest Row” event, a challenge which will take them more than 3,000 miles from the Canary Islands to Nelsons Dockyard in Antigua.

Beginning in December, the event is notoriously challenging, with competitors adopting a cycle of two hours rowing and two hours sleeping, 24 hours a day. During the voyage they can encounter waves measuring up to 20 feet high and will burn more than 5,000 calories a day.

There may not have been any monster waves on the tranquil waters of Loch Lomond, but Victoria was able to give the team the benefit of her extensive experience on how to prepare for the mammoth physical and mental effort required.

The session focused on the extreme demands on world-class endurance events. Drawing on her career at the highest levels of professional sport, Victoria provided feedback on high-performance mindset, recovery strategies, and managing stress under extreme physical fatigue. All will be key factors the crew will face during their unassisted ocean campaign.

Warrant Officer 1 Iain Walker, part of the HMS Oardacious team, said: “It was an absolute honour and privilege to host Victoria Pendleton on Loch Lomond and get her out on the boat with us.

“Her experience as an Olympic champion is incredible, and the insights she shared on mindset and performance under pressure are invaluable as we finalise our preparations for the World’s Toughest Row this December.”

Victoria was invited to become an Honorary Colonel and Corps ambassador to HM Royal Marines as she can relate to the intense physical and mental requirements of being a Royal Marine.

Specialising in the sprint, team sprint, and Keirin cycling events, she has won two gold Olympic medals, a silver medal, and clocked up nine world titles. She was appointed as a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2013 for services to cycling.

📸 Credit: LPhot Scott Barnett

19/08/2026

STAFF AT HM Naval Base Clyde bid a fond farewell to Commodore Sharon Malkin CBE ADC RN on Tuesday, 18th August, as she moved on from her role as Naval Base Commander Clyde.

Commodore Malkin, who has held the top job at the Naval Base since December 2022, was superseded by Commodore Andrew Bray ADC RN who has come from commanding the prestigious Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC).

Leaving the Faslane site, Commodore Malkin was waved off by military and civilian staff at the waterfront, as she boarded the Admiralty pilot boat “DMS Poppy” to sail from the Gareloch. Commodore Malkin was accompanied by her husband Stephen and her dog “Merlin”.

Serco tugboats fired their water cannons in a salute to the outgoing Commodore who will shortly retire from the Royal Navy. There was also a spectacular fly past by a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron.

Commodore Malkin joined the Royal Navy in 1994 after graduating from Cambridge University where she read engineering.

During her career as an Air Engineer, she served with 800, 820, and 899 Naval Air Squadrons onboard HMS Invincible, HMS Illustrious, and HMS Ocean, as well as RFA Fort George.

Earlier this year, her personal contribution and leadership was recognised when she was made Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year’s Honours list.

The new Naval Base Commander Clyde is Commodore Andrew Bray ADC RN.

During his naval career Commodore Bray has specialised in logistics, working onboard HMS Scott, HMS Dragon and, most recently, HMS Prince of Wales.

He has worked in staff appointments across Defence and Government Departments including the Maritime Warfare Centre, the Ministry of Defence, and Cabinet Office.

Front-line service has included time with 847 Naval Air Squadron, tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, operations in Yemen, and crisis response tasks as a member of the Joint Force Headquarters.

Commodore Bray’s appointment as Naval Base Commander Clyde comes at an exciting time for the military site as it prepares for the future Dreadnought Class deterrent submarines and the SSN AUKUS attack boats.

“I join all the team across the Naval Base in passing my sincere gratitude and best wishes to Cdre Malkin for all she has done for Clyde,” said Commodore Bray.

“At a time when what we do could not be more important to our national security, I am delighted to be taking Command of the Naval Base today and I look forward to joining the team as we work together to deliver this country’s strategic deterrent”

Last year, the government approved a £270.7M investment package – an initial three-year funding that will be used to adapt and improve infrastructure at the Clyde base, preparing it to welcome the Dreadnought Class and the next generation of attack submarines.

Part of the improvements on-site include the construction of four new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) blocks. The first two, earmarked for submarine students undertaking training at Clyde’s new Royal Navy Submarine Training Centre (RNSTC).

📸 Credit: LPhot Scott Barnett

22/07/2026

The Royal Navy’s Mine & Threat Exploitation Group (MTXG) has a new Commanding Officer. On, July 16, Commander (Cdr) Daniel Herridge handed over the leadership mantle to Commander (Cdr) Tim Castrinoyannakis.

With the Headquarters based at HM Naval Base Clyde, MTXG has approx. 250 Royal Navy personnel, consisting of operators, logisticians and engineers, spread across the UK and the globe.

MTXG is an effects-driven Group leading the integration of advanced autonomous technologies across the modern battlespace. Through the rapid adoption of automation, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, machine learning and uncrewed systems, MTXG is transforming how capability is delivered to the front line—at pace, at scale, and with operational effect.

The Group has four squadrons: Whiskey, X-Ray, Yankee, and Zulu. Each Squadron has its own equipment set that is used for locating and identifying mines and other underwater threats over large areas of seabed. The equipment comes in modular configurations and can be moved by road or by sea to locations to set up for minehunting. This delivers a highly agile and flexible capability in comparison with conventional warships and is the cornerstone of what the Hybrid Navy Vision aims to deliver.

During his time in Command, Cdr Herridge has overseen a large change in the way that the Royal Navy conducts minehunting. MTXG has been working closely with industry partners and manufacturers to further develop a new and safer way of minehunting, most recently with the Maritime Mine Countermeasures (MMCM) system.

Dan and the broader MTXG team have been the driving force behind trailblazing this new way of working to deploy equipment from RN ships and boats as well as civilian vessels and Temporary Staging Bases ashore.

He joined the Royal Navy in 2001 and has enjoyed a distinguished career specialising in mine warfare, clearance diving, and maritime operations. With over two decades of operational experience, he has deployed on Operations Telic, Veritas and Kipion, serving in a range of leadership roles across the UK, Middle East and with international partners.

A qualified Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Officer and Principal Warfare Officer, he has commanded Southern Diving Unit 2; First Mine Countermeasures Squadron Mine Countermeasures Vessels; the UK Mine Countermeasures Force in the Arabian Gulf; and most recently the Mine & Threat Exploitation Group. His career has also included appointments as Chief of Staff to Commander UK Mine Countermeasures Force and Deputy Commander Sea Training at Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST).

Cdr Herridge said: “As I hand over Command of MTXG, my overriding reflection is one of pride in our people. Through sustained change, operational demand and the challenge of bringing Maritime Unmanned Systems into service, the team has consistently demonstrated professionalism, adaptability and determination. Together, we have moved from aspiration to reality, generating trained operators, sustaining equipment and preparing capability for operational employment at the forefront of the Royal Navy's Hybrid Navy transformation.

“My greatest respect remains with those delivering, or poised to deliver, operational effect on behalf of the Nation. Their commitment reminds us why our work matters. MTXG's achievements have only been possible through the collective efforts of our people, our families, colleagues across Defence, industry partners and international allies. I leave immensely proud of what has been achieved and with great confidence in what comes next.”

Commander Tim Castrinoyannakis will take command of the four squadrons, Whiskey, X-Ray, and Yankee which are based in Portsmouth, and Zulu based at Clyde.

Tim joined the Royal Navy in 2006 and has built an accomplished career spanning Frigates, Mine Warfare, Clearance Diving, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and maritime command. His operational service has included deployments on Operations Calash and Kipion, with appointments across the Mine Countermeasures Force, Fleet Diving Squadron, and wider maritime operations.

A qualified Mine Clearance Diving Officer and Principal Warfare Officer, he has commanded numerous Sandown Class Mine Hunters as Mine Countermeasures Squadron 1 Crew 1, including HMS Grimsby, Pembroke, Shoreham and Bangor, led EOD operations across Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England, and served as Chief of Staff to Commander UK Mine Countermeasures Force. His contributions to counter-piracy operations and maritime security have been recognised through several commendations and awards.

Promoted to Commander, he assumed the role of Commander Global Sea Training for FOST Ships in January 2025, where he was responsible for delivering operational training and assurance across the Fleet.

On taking up the Commanding Officer role, he said: “MTXG are leaders in innovation and are at the forefront of autonomy. Although our equipment and emerging capabilities are impressive, it is our people who make the difference and ensure we remain an effective and credible Mine Counter Measures force. I am honoured and humbled to assume Command and look forward to supporting our people in meeting our nations expectations.”

📸Credit: LPhot Scott Barnett

15/07/2026

The Ministry of Defence has purchased the Finnart Oil Terminal on Scotland’s west coast, marking a multi-million-pound investment to strengthen the United Kingdom’s national security and defence resilience.

The facility will be owned by the MOD and operated by the Oil and Pipelines Agency (OPA), who will recommission the site as a Naval Fuel depot, ensuring full compliance with all applicable safety and environmental legislation. The OPA has an impressive track record in the safe and effective operation of defence fuel assets in the UK and overseas.

This investment strengthens sovereign control of critical energy infrastructure at a time of heightened global volatility, reinforcing the Royal Navy’s operational resilience. It secures fuel access for the Royal Navy and enables sustained operations at scale.

As the Royal Navy fleet grows in size and technological complexity, this capability is fundamental to maintaining readiness and credible maritime power. It underpins the First Sea Lord’s commitment to a warfighting ready force, ensuring the United Kingdom can meet its own defence needs, while supporting NATO and wider collective security.

Speaking during a site visit, First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, said: “The Royal Navy’s acquisition of the Finnart Oil Terminal is a critical step in strengthening our warfighting readiness and operational resilience. It secures a reliable fuel supply for our fleet, enabling us to sustain operations at pace and support our global commitments and NATO allies.

“Advancing the Warfighting Readiness Plan, this investment enhances our ability to respond rapidly to emerging threats and maintain our operational advantage. It demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring the Royal Navy remains ready to fight and win in an increasingly contested world.”

The acquisition of the site also paves the way for the phased relocation of Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) to Finnart, supporting a more agile operating model that enhances the Royal Navy’s ability to deploy, sustain and adapt, while strengthening resilient mine countermeasures capability.

The investment in the Finnart site will form part of the Clyde Transformation Programme, a multi-decade, multi-billion-pound programme to regenerate HM Naval Base Clyde. Together, these investments reinforce the West of Scotland’s central role in supporting the United Kingdom’s defence and security, while driving sustained economic growth in the region.

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “This multi-million-pound investment will strengthen UK energy and naval operations’ resilience at a time when the security challenges we face have never been greater.

“Scotland has always been at the beating heart of UK defence and Finnart is further proof of that. By bringing this site back to life, the UK Government is also continuing its commitment to help with local recovery following the closure of Finnart last year.”

He continued: “From the Submarine Service at Faslane to shipbuilding on the Clyde, Scotland’s skilled workforce and world-class industrial base are central to keeping Britain secure.

“This acquisition supports the long-term transformation of HM Naval Base Clyde and supports the kind of high-skilled jobs and economic opportunity that our communities deserve. The UK Government is delivering a real defence dividend for Scotland and investments like this show exactly what that means in practice.”

📸 Credit: LPhot Scott Barnett

14/07/2026

MOD is investing £26 billion over ten years to modernise HMNB Clyde, HMNB Devonport and HMNB Portsmouth.

07/07/2026

THE CONSTRUCTION of new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) at HM Naval Base Clyde took an exciting step toward completion recently when the last parapet and prefabricated concrete panel were slotted into place.

The panels, which range from ten to eighteen tonnes and span three to five metres wide, have been used in the construction of four new accommodation blocks, with two of the new blocks specifically designed for submariner trainees.

The £166M construction project, delivered for the Royal Navy by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and their industry partner, Kier Graham Defence (KGD), forms part of the ongoing work under the Clyde Infrastructure Programme to prepare the Naval Base for the future. The programme oversees the transformation of the site to operate and maintain the next generation of Dreadnought Class deterrent submarines, while supporting all those who live, work, and train there.

There to see the final panel and parapet put in place on the fourth block was Captain of HMS Neptune, Captain Elaine Boyd, along with Base Executive Officer, Commander Nick Stewart, and First Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander Phil Nicholson.

Captain Boyd said: “Reaching this stage of construction is a significant step in delivering modern accommodation at HM Naval Base Clyde. The new blocks will provide high-quality living spaces for Service personnel, including the submariner trainees who represent the future of the Submarine Service.

“As the home of the Royal Navy's submarine fleet, these facilities will support the wellbeing of our people and the continued development of the Naval Base.”

The use of prefabricated concrete panels delivers a “traditional style” of construction while allowing for easy and fast installation. The use of the panels helps minimise the workforce required on site, reduces cost and material waste, and helps towards sustainability goals.

The Royal Navy, working in conjunction with DIO and their industry supplier, KGD, have planned for the construction on the first two submariner trainee blocks to conclude and be brought online later this year. The last two SLA blocks will be open in early 2027.

DIO’s Director Nuclear Infrastructure, Dan Ross, said: “Working with our supply chain we have demonstrated what can be achieved at pace, without compromising on quality, to provide our submariner trainees with the modern, safe accommodation they deserve. The use of prefabricated sections helps us deliver the new accommodation more quickly so our sailors can benefit from it as soon as possible.”

As home of the Royal Navy Submarine Service, HM Naval Base Clyde plays a crucial role supporting the nation’s first and final line of defence – the UK’s nuclear deterrent.

For over 50-years the site has operated and maintained the deterrent fleet – first with the Resolution Class of submarines and then the current Vanguard Class vessels. During that time there has always been at least one nuclear-armed deterrent submarine at sea on patrol offering the ultimate guarantee of our safety and security and of our NATO Allies.

04/07/2026

🔥 Good luck, HMNB Clyde Field Gun Crew! 🔥

After weeks of relentless training, dedication and teamwork, the HMNB Clyde Field Gun Crew is ready to take on the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity Field Gun Competition at HMS Collingwood.

Here's a look back at their public run, where they showcased the speed, precision and determination that have gone into preparing for one of the Royal Navy's toughest sporting traditions.

Best of luck to the entire team—you've done HMNB Clyde proud already. We'll be cheering you on every step of the way! 💪⚓

27/06/2026

HMNB Clyde Field Gun Run Crew in action! ⚓️🏃‍♂️

📸 Credit - LPhot Scott Barnett

26/06/2026

🔥 SCORCHING TRACK, SMOKING GUN – HMNB CLYDE FIELD GUN CREW ARE READY TO RUN! 🔥

The HMNB Clyde Field Gun Crew put on an impressive display during their annual public run yesterday, giving personnel, families and friends a chance to witness the incredible teamwork, strength and determination behind one of the Royal Navy's most iconic sporting traditions.

After nine weeks of intensive training, the crew is now preparing to represent HMNB Clyde at the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) Field Gun Competition at HMS Collingwood on 4 July.

Made up of 25 personnel from across HMNB Clyde and the wider Royal Navy and Royal Marines community, this year's team has worked tirelessly to perfect every phase of the run. Many are competing for the very first time, making their commitment and achievement even more remarkable.

The afternoon began with performances from the HMNB Clyde Band, followed by an insight into the proud history of Field Gun from WO1 Andrew Vercoe. Captain HMS Neptune, Captain Elaine Boyd, then officially granted permission for the crew to commence the demonstration before spectators watched the team complete a full-speed competitive run.

Captain Boyd praised the team, saying:
"Today's public run was an excellent demonstration of the hard work, dedication and teamwork of HMNB Clyde's Field Gun Team. With many crew members competing for the first time, the team has risen admirably to the challenge. Being marched on by the Neptune Volunteer Band made the occasion even more special, reflecting the strong sense of pride and tradition behind Field Gun. As they head to HMS Collingwood, we wish them every success."

The event also raised funds for the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity through refreshments and a popular cake sale, with supporters, families and representatives from principal sponsor Lockheed Martin joining the celebrations.

Good luck to the entire HMNB Clyde Field Gun Crew as they take on teams from across the Royal Navy in pursuit of the fastest time. We'll all be cheering you on! 💪⚓

📸 Credit - LPhot Scott Barnett

HM Naval Base Clyde

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