What is the 'Zebra-striped' ship spotted in the Firth of Forth?

A strange new vessel has been spotted in the Firth of Forth, with many people asking what the wildly-designed barge is for.

The ship, which stands out due to its zebra stripe pattern, is called the Sans Vitesse.

The barge is used for accommodation and will house Navy personnel while the HMS Queen Elizabeth undergoes planned maintenance at Rosyth Dockyard.

However, not all of the crew will be staying on the ship.

The barge is used for accommodation and will house Navy personnel. (Image: Dennis Penny) Those on the Sans Vitesse will solely be the duty watch who need to be close to the ship; while the rest of the crew will be staying in HMS Caledonia.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: "When ships go into refit periods there are occasions when it becomes necessary to source alternative temporary accommodation for some of the ship's company.

"The health and wellbeing of our people remain paramount, and we make sure that accommodation is suitable and meets our standards, which this accommodation has.

"The Sans Vitesse will provide suitable accommodation for our personnel while HMS Queen Elizabeth undergoes planned maintenance in Rosyth."

The Sans Vitesse with the Forth Road Bridge. (Image: Dennis Penny) Graeme Downie, the MP for Dunfermline and Dollar, added: "I have spoken to ministers over the past few days, and they have assured me the accommodation on Sans Vitesse is of the highest quality and suitable for personnel from HMS Queen Elizabeth while the ship is docked at Rosyth.

“However, I think we must also see work to upgrade and modernise HMS Caledonia to ensure the base is fit for purpose and has the facilities and services to accommodate personnel in the future and I will be pressing ministers and the Royal Navy further on this matter."