HMS Vivid (1891)

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 Devonport 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.

Early Civilian Service
HMS Vivid was built by Barclay, Curl, and Co. in 1883 on the Clyde and originally called SS Capercailzie. She was owned by George Burns, shipping company owner, who sold her to the Royal Navy in 1891.

Military Service
On September 26, 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 Admiral.

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 July 8, 1913, She ran aground and wrecked at Colonsay en route from Rhu (at the time spelt ‘Row’) to Stornoway on her first voyage as a civilian training ship.