British warships joined vessels from seven other nations yesterday at the start of a major international naval exercise off the west coast of Scotland.

Neptune Warrior is a 10-day annual exercise which involves 19 ships, 20 helicopters and up to 60 fixed-wing aircraft.

It is designed to allow international forces to train together, putting them under attack and testing both equipment and personnel. This year, it is also showcasing the strength of the Navy's capabilities 25 years on from the Falklands conflict.

Rear Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt, who served in the Falklands, is now the Royal Navy's Flag Officer Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland and Flag Officer Reserves.

He said: "We have invested £14bn in the past 10 years building 28 new ships and we have created an incredibly flexible amphibious capability which far exceeds that we had 25 years ago."

One of the Royal Navy vessels taking part is HMS Albion.

The ship will come under attack from U-boats and torpedoes and will have to perform a landing exercise, getting all troops on to landing crafts and ashore.

Among the crew were Engineering Technician Weapons Engineering (ETWE) Jacqueline McNeish, 20, and 24-year-old Surgeon Lieutenant (Dentist) Allana Macleod.

ETWE McNeish, who helps maintain the weapons and works on the landing craft, said: "I joined HMS Albion in January after 10 months of training.

"We all get on really well and it is good fun."

Surg Lt Macleod said: "There are not many women in the Navy and this is my first experience in a ship but you quickly get used to it."