Bell Ropes

I had intended taking some blips in Leith but the fog defeated me. So while at the Royal Yacht Britannia with a visiting friend today, I noticed the intricate rope work in these Bell Ropes so decided to use this instead.

Ship's Bells used to be regarded as essential for time keeping and as a warning of weather conditions and were held in very high esteem. Because the Bell was so important, Bell Ropes were elaborate and often took hundreds of hours to make and were a symbol of great pride. To protect them from the harsh salty environment they would be covered with varnish or paint.
These must have taken very many hours and great skill to make.