A couple returned to Greenock to renew their wedding vows at the stricken boat which sank during a storm which scuppered their honeymoon

Forty five years on from their wedding, John and Pauline Conway took a boat from James Watt Dock Marina to visit Captayannis at the Tail 'o the Bank.

The pair, who now live in North Carolina in the United States, were visiting friends and family in the UK and the trip to see the vessel was something they always wanted to do.

Pauline, 67, said: "The scenery is beautiful and I love the coastline."

John added: "I cannot believe the weather - it is Mediterranean. I called my son back home and I said we had wonderful weather sunny with zero humidity."

John used to go on family breaks to Dunoon and that is why they decided to go there on their honeymoon all those years ago.

They tied the knot in Pauline's home town of Bishopbriggs and planned a short stay in a hotel which entailed a ferry from Gourock Pier.

Ferries were off for good reason, with the storm seeing the sugar ship beached on the sandbank on January 27 and sinking the next day.

The Conways ended up traipsing around the streets Kempock Street in Gourock in the wind and rain looking for a B&B.

John laughed: "I promised Pauline an unforgettable night but it wasn't what I planned."

Pauline added: "I did feel a bit sorry for myself. I bought a new trouser suit and I looked like a drowned rat."

A reluctant landlady took them in and warmed to the young couple when she discovered they were newly-weds, toasting them with fizzy wine.

John said: "She was wonderful."

John and Pauline went on to have been very happy together.

After they got married they moved around in Scotland and south of the border, returning to live in a village near Melrose before moving to America 13 years ago so Pauline could take up promotion as a director in the food industry.

Pauline said: "Life has been a wonderful adventure since we got married.

"We had two fabulous sons and six amazing grandchildren.

"I feel emotional about the vows, I love John more than ever."

John, who was a police officer for many years before working in local government, said: "I fell in love with her nearly 50 years ago and I love her more than ever.

"It's a bit like the boat, if you navigate the rough seas and avoid the sandbank, you might just make it - go slowly and steer for the calm waters."

The couple love Scotland but their hearts are with their family in the States.

John said: "We knew when our boys both married American girls we wouldn't be coming back to live in the UK."

Jason Coles, of Wreckspeditions Dive Charters Ltd, was only too happy to take the couple out on his boat Starfish Enterprise.

He said: "It was a bit of an unusual request but I think it is a fantastic thing to do."