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 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.

[1][2][3] She was owned by George Burns, a shipping company owner, who sold her to the Royal Navy in 1891.

The purchase was a major investment for the college, spending an estimated £3000 on the ship and refit.

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