Name HMS Vivid Yard number 321 Completed 1883 Launched 20 June 1883 Tonnage 499,000 kg | Namesake Capercailzie Way number 87699 Acquired 1891 Length 61 m Builder Barclay Curle | |
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HMS Vivid was an iron screw yacht purchased from civilian service in 1891, where she had been named SS Capercailzie. She became the Devonport base ship and flagship in 1893 and was also used as the yacht for the Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth and was sold in 1912, later being wrecked in 1913.
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Early civilian service
SS Capercailzie was built by Barclay, Curl, and Co. in 1883 on the Clyde. She was owned by George Burns, a shipping company owner, who sold her to the Royal Navy in 1891.
Military Service
On 26 September 1891, SS Capercailzie was purchased by the Royal Navy for use as tender for the Devonport naval base, Plymouth and as a yacht for the port admiral. Staff Commander W. Way was in command in early 1900.
Later Civilian Service
In 1912, she was sold to the The Royal Technical College, Glasgow for use as a training ship. The purchase was a major investment for the college, spending an estimated £3000 on the ship and refit. On 8 July 1913 she ran aground and was wrecked at Colonsay en route from Rhu (at the time spelt ‘Row’) to Stornoway on her first voyage as a civilian training ship.