HMS Montrose has set off on her final journey ahead of being decommissioned by the Royal Navy.
The Type 23 frigate paid her last visit to her affiliate town of Montrose, Angus, before heading south to Portsmouth for the last time on Tuesday.
HMS Montrose was the 11th of 13 Duke-Class frigates when she was launched in 1992.
She was initially designed as a fast manoeuvrable vessel required to scout ahead of the main fleet.
More recently Montrose has been deployed to the Gulf as an escort vessel and has seized more than 16 tonnes of illegal drugs – with a value of more than £111m – over 10 narcotic boarding missions.
"I can't think that there could have been a better final port visit for our ship," said Commander Claire Thompson, Montrose's Commanding Officer.
"HMS Montrose has been part of the Royal Navy for over 30 years and for her to end her time here at Montrose has been amazing.
"From the ship open to visitors, which sold out, through to sports fixtures, additional tours, and receptions, we have been spoiled by the affection we received from the town of Montrose.
"I am incredibly grateful for the support," she added.
The crew also took the opportunity to lay a wreath at the grave of Bamse, a St Bernard dog that served on the Norwegian coastal patrol ship Thorodd when he was stationed at Montrose during the Second World War.
He became a well-known and much-loved sight in the town as well as a symbol of Norwegian freedom.
For Leading Seaman (Above Water Tactical) Paul Linford, the visit to the town was particularly poignant.
A Montrose native, LS Linford relished the opportunity to take the ship home and to have his sister Sarah, brother-in-law Lewis, and nephew Ruairidh, on board.
"My nephew asks quite a lot what it's like on HMS Montrose," said Paul, "so it is fantastic to be able to show him first-hand where I work.
"It was also great to catch up with some of my friends in Montrose and introduce them to those friends I have made in the Royal Navy.
"I've wanted to be in the Navy since I was in first year at High School – around 12 years old – so to be able to return to Montrose on board HMS Montrose has been a privilege.
"The support which the town has given us has been really quite special," he added.
HMS Montrose left her affiliate town on Tuesday evening – setting sail for the final time.
She will be formally decommissioned at a ceremony in Portsmouth next month.
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