Our
31 crews gathered at New Lanark Heritage village for the start of
the 2024 Rally of the Borders; Clyde Valley. The morning was
shrouded in east coast 'haar' for those travelling to the start
from the north and east. After the obligatory breakfast of bacon rolls
and coffee we headed to the western border country into Dumfries and
Galloway.
The mist burned back quickly allowing the sunshine and blue skies to
warm the air and enable the soft top crews to lower their tops and
enjoy the late summer sun.
Fife & Ochil's Tour - 28 July Story & photosJim Paterson & Jim Watson The sun shone for the second
running of this amazing tour, our route taking us to new places to visit.
Organisers Jim and Norma Watson had designed an interesting route
across the Kingdom of Fife and the Ochil Hills that took us
over little known roads visiting some of the hidden jewels of Fife
and Kinross.
The
Loch Ness Classic Car Tour run by the Rotary Club of Inverness Loch
Ness ran successfully on Saturday 8th June despite blustery winds and
squally rain showers, indeed the weather was in fact a lot more
pleasant than the forecast had predicted.
There was one additional award this
year. CCHMSC member Louise Wall from Burgundy, the widow of
the
late Ranald Bruce who will undoubtedly be remembered by readers,
contacted the Rotary Club to donate a Fair Play award, two engraved
wooden charcuterie platters with cash donations to the recipients and
also both charities.
A
number of members joined the board for the Annual General Meeting on
Thursday 16th
May at the Royal George Hotel, Perth. Reports were provided on
the
past year ending March 2024. These included events, financial
and membership status. Director re-elections were completed
and
the principal office bearers, i.e. Chairperson, Company Secretary and
Treasurer elected. A discussion on future activities of the club were
also discussed.
RSAC
Spring Run 7 April The
event returned to Nuffield Health, Fitness and Wellbeing, Milngavie
Club for the Start and Finish. The run covered approximately 90miles
for the long route and 40 for the short route.
For more photos of the event checkout Andy
Thomlinson's Flickr page
Monte
Historique and Touiristique Start - 31 January Report Jonathan Lord, Photos :-
Andy Thomlinson
Early morning in Blythswood Square today. Jonathan Lord did
the
drivers' briefing and wielded the Saltire. In the best
traditions
of A K Stevenson and Major Bob Tennant Reid, I made sure the Crombie
overcoat was worn instead of the usual rally jacket. The
first
(French-crewed) Alpine Renault to leave the start had a horn which woke
us all up with the first few notes of the Marseillaise, although
Jonathan's musical friends would have noticed that one note was
decidedly flat. Thanks to all the organising team who did a
great
job; to all the spectators who turned out on a cold January morning;
and to the intrepid competitors. Bon voyage to Monte Carlo!
Etienne
Goldette & Vincent Neymon blast out
first few notes of the Marseillaise
on the horn.
Au
revoir mes amis
1977 Alpine-Renault A310
1976
Porsche 911 Carrera
Paul
Okane / Tage Gejl
1967
Cortina GT Ian
Stansfield / Keith Dodsworth
1978
MGB/GT
Ken Brown / Aidan Walsh
1968
Volvo 123GT
Neil Oliver / Alastair Gair
News from
2023
Classic High
Tea
- 3 December
The Royal George Hotel in
Perth once again hosted our end of the touring year
High Tea. The event attracted members from
all four corners of Scotland, despite the recent snow and freezing
temperatures. A great opportunity to catch up and swap stories. Our
dress up in old rally clothing saw quite a few arriving in a wide range
of items.
Rally
of the Borders
- 24 September A
dry and brightening sky welcomed some 30 crews to the start of the
Rally of the Borders. After refueling of cars and crews (great
breakfast at Elginhaugh Farm diner) we headed of south, using minor and
fascinating roads. We crossed
many little known roads not used on our previous events taking
us across magnificent countryside, passing and visiting new
and
unusual
places.
Our first stage was over the Lammermuir Hills toward Duns, the home of
the Jim Clark museum. Te sun was out and skies blue as we continued
south and over the border into Northumberland
Ralph Forbes great route was enjoyed by all the crews.
I
joined the RSAC Three Lochs Classic which returned to The Royal
Northern and Clyde Yacht Club, in Rhu, with Keith Butler and Andrew
Pemberton, to form the
Concours d'Elegance judges.
65 cars
filled the forecourt of the club house building, setting
off on
either the 'Big' route of some 90 miles or the 'Wee' route to suit
Veteran,Vintage and Classic Cars of around 53 miles. The returning
crews enjoyed afternoon tea and prizegiving at the Yacht Club club
house.
Heavy
rain and surface water on way to start of the event seemed a bad omen,
but the weather changed as the sun rose to fill the sky. A
great
tour visiting interesting locations on route crossing roads not seen on
our tours across Fife and the Ochil Hills.
Annual General Meeting - 25 May 2023 A
number of members joined the board for the Annual General Meeting on
Thursday 25th
May at the Royal George Hotel, Perth. Reports were provided on
the
past year ending March 2023. These included events, financial
and membership status. Director re-elections were completed
and
the principal office bearers, i.e. Chairperson, Company Secretary and
Treasurer elected. A discussion on future activities of the club were
also discussed.
The weather forecast
was not good, but our start remained dry and the storms did not
appear. Our thirty plus crews found sunshine and a few light showers
on the 120 mile route from the Black Watch museum in Perth across the
regiments home country. Bridges formed a large part of our tour,
crossing the River Tay, and others many times as we climbed into the
Grampians and beyond.
The Old Girl is
on the move After
nearly a decade hosted at the Riverside Museum of Transport in Glasgow,
the time came for “The Old Girl” to move to a new
home.
Gifted to the then Royal
Scottish Automobile Club in 1974, “The Old
Girl” is the second oldest Rolls Royce in the world.
One
of the terms of the bequest are that the car should be on public
display in Scotland. There are not many places that have both the space
and expertise to be able to display and preserve The Old Girl.
Full
Story
News from 2022
Classic High
Tea - Sunday 4
December
Our
end
of the touring
year for members to get together to
chat about their year of classic motoring, took place at our usual
venue at the Royal George Hotel in
Perth. Over thirty members made it on a sunny, if rather freezing cold
afternoon. The meals were great and of course the world famous
Meringues took pride of place on the tea plate that followed.
We
met up at M-Sport at Dovenby Hall near Cockermouth. Our guide Roger
introduced us to the new facilities we would be seeing.
The major changes since we were last here in 2019 were the test track,
which was an empty site last time, and the updated cars now that we are
in the 'Hybrid' era.
After the intro and refreshments we started on our way.
The
crews lined up at Gretna Green Outlet Village to sign on, refresh
themselves at Costa Coffee ready for the first day of some 195 miles
into the North of England.
With
the border only yards away they were soon in England. The route headed
south east through Weardale and on to the Cleveland Hills on the way to
the overnight at Harrogate.
The second day, Sunday 18th, a shorter route at 125 miles ,headed west
into the Yorkshire Dales toward the Forest of Bowland, A
return into the Yorkshire Dales passed through Wensleydale
(Famous for its cheese and Wallace and Grommit fame).
Reaching
Cumbria heading north the crews arrived at their destination in
Penrith, where the local Golf Course put on an excellent finishers
meal. Entry List
Around 50 Veteran, Vintage & Classic cars turned out for
the RSAC
Motorsport Three Lochs Run on Sunday 21st August.
This year was the 20th running of the Three Lochs,
and returned to the Royal Northern & Clyde Yacht Club
in Rhu,
Helensburgh, where the first Three Lochs was held in 2002.
The new routes
offerd a
run up the old Military Road at the Rest and Be
Thankful.
Once again there was a short
route suitable for cars in the Veteran Class and any others who may
prefer it, and a long route for everyone else
Line-up
on track at the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford
This
new
event is based on visits to classic car and motorsporting museums
started off under sun filled skies at the Dundee Museum of Transport on
Sunday 24 July. The route headed north
into the Scottish highlands. Though we experienced a few heavy showers
most of the soft tops managed to keep tops down most of the time.
A
call in at the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford for lunch and a walk
round the exhibits allowed the crews to swap stories and see the
development of transport from horse power, steam, petrol, diesel,
electric and autonomous motoring. Our second leg headed south toward
Edzell, with a sting in the tail that caught us all out.
After
a two year break due to the Covid pandemic, the popular Loch Ness
Classic Car Tour bounced back very successfully on June 4th. Over
£5000 was raised by the entrants, primarily supporting
Prostate
Scotland with the remainder going to the Club’s Charity
Account.
Our
opening event for 2022 was our tribute tour to the Black Watch. Some
38 starters gathered at Balhousie Castle, home of the Black Watch
museum for a 140 mile tour across hills and glens of Perth and Kinross.
Or
tour headed west reaching Drummond Castle where time was allowed to
walk through the stunning gardens over a picnic lunch. We were favoured
with the use of the castle courtyard where a selection of the
cars
were allowed to enter and park up. With an entrance gate just wide
enough for some of the wider cars it proved a tight fit for some. Our
return trip took us through the pass of Condie and the model village of
Forteviot to arrive back at Balhousie castle for our finishers meal. A
great day out under sunny skies meeting old friends, and making many
new.
Dave
Spence It
is with much sadness we report that Dave Spence,
Crofterra
organiser & the Master of the amazing route books,
passed
away on Tuesday morning 1st February, following a long illness.
Dave
designed and created many of CCHMSC tours and events, including our
Covid virtual tours, the bi-annual Continental tours, and latterly the
Grand Caledonian Tour (see below).
Dave will be
very much missed by our club, HCC and many more across the country.
Many
car club members attended the funeral on Thursday 10 February
in
Inverness, where Dave's close friend and neighbour for many years
Roddie Main, presented the eulogy. In addition to his motorsport
activities we heard of his golf and skiing pastimes too. A slide show
of Dave from youngster to his senior years allowed many to reflect on
their experiences and good times we all enjoyed throughout his life. On
behalf of our club we offered our condolences to his wife Maureen and
their wider family.
Memorial Event
At
a recent Committee meeting it was agreed that our two day Dales, Moors
and
Forest event on 17 & 18 September be run in Dave's
memory, as he
designed and planned the event, under the name
Dave's Dales, Moors, and Forest tour.
Full details soon.
Crofterra announces new
format for 22
HCC
have announced
a new 2 day 370 mile Crofterra, starting and finishing at Inverness, 3 & 4 September.
New
style simpler navigation, and low entry fee, while retaining the
quality finisher awards which are a hallmark of this
event, are
designed to attract those new to the sport and keen to enter.
This
year the route will cover the Grampians, Perthshire and Argyll.
Classic High Tea - 5
December 2021 Our annual get
together of club members and enthusiasts for a
pre-Christmas high tea at the
Royal George Hotel in Perth attracted over 30 members. From across
Scotland our members made the trip and duly followed the Covid
constraints in place. We enjoyed our meal and once again the famous
Royal George meringues, the largest, tastiest meringues on the
planet, allegedly!!
Jim
thanked everyone for coming, given the uncertainty of ever changing
restrictions. With the new variant 'Omicron' on the rise we thought a
lockdown might catch us out. Fortunately not as it turned
out. Jim
then made a special thanks to Dave Spence, who was unable to join us
due to health reasons, but is one of the club's 'stars', designing and
drafting lots of our roadbooks. In addition he designed our two virtual
events La Carrera Lockdown and the later La Carrera Pandemica, both
well attended by enthusiasts from not only the UK, but across
Europe. Full
Story and Pictures
Grand
Caledonian Tour -
25 September to 9 October
Tales of the Tour
John Stuart 1975 Alpine and
Owler 1971 model take centre stage
The crews have completed the
inaugural Grand Caledonian Tour, the club's first 'round Scotland
tour. Despite
the fuel
shortage 'panic buying', the crews arrived ready to start
their 15 day tour of
Scotland visiting the all 4
points of the compass.
The
sun broke through and the temperature rose as the crews gathered at
Dobbies Eskbank for the start of the Grand Caledonian Tour on Saturday
25 September. It is a thrill to see the famous Renault Alpine A110 at
any event, but we were treated to not one but two members
fronting up the departures, Andy Owler in his yellow 1971 model, and
John Stuart in his red 1975 version.
Clark
Quattro and Bartniczek Alfa line up to depart
Crews
gathering
Crews
gathering
Richard
Spalding in Healey 3000
Campbell
Bristol 412
The
tour visited Highland,
Lowland, mountains, glens, coasts and islands.
Fabulous scenery,
and fantastic roads.
CCHMSC
AGM - 16 September 2021 The
Annual General Meeting of the Caledonian
Classic and Historic Motor Sport Club Ltd took place on
Thursday
16
September 2021 at the Royal George Hotel, Perth. The reports
of
activities over the past year were presented. Despite the pandemic the
club had created a number of 'virtual' events which were well supported
by members entries. The financial report and accounts were also
accepted, and the election of Club Directors agreed. A
discussion
over the 2022 events calendar concluded the meeting. Latest Board of Club Directors
Full
Agenda HERE
HCC Crofterra gets of to a great start - Saturday 11 September
A wave from first car away
Some
60 plus classic, and sporting cars got safely away from Fairways
at Inverness on their two day tour of the Scottish highlands.
Full story
and pictures
Blairgowrie
Classic Car Tour:Drive it Day - Sunday 22 August
Around
80 classic and supercars assembled at Blairgowrie Golf Club
for the 2021
'Drive it Day, delayed by pandemic from April. We headed south into
Fife, along the south side of the Tay, making our way to the picnic
lunch stop in St. Andrews. From there it was west through Fife to
Kinross, Crieff, north to Aberfeldy to our finish at the Atholl Palace
hotel in Pitlochry. A great meal was followed by a raffle and auction.
The event raised £27000 for the headline charities, Bowel
Cancer UK,
and Alzheimer Scotland.
Red
Hackle Tour
- Sunday 15 August 2021 Full Story
A
dry start beckoned well for the 40 starters to the first post Covid
club event of 2021.
With each starter being Piped away by our two pipers put a spring into
all our steps.
Soon
the clouds cleared to provide a sunfilled 140 mile drive across many
little known roads across the counties of Perth and Kinross, and Angus.
Outstanding
views and tight traffic clear roads abounded as we could see the River
Tay to the south and the Grampian mountains to the north.
With
a lunch stop to catch up with fellow classic car crews and even a
stopover for an ice cream, before crossing a ford on the homeward
leg proved a real winner.
Starting
and finishing at the Black Watch museum at Balhousie Castle
in Perth proved yet again a great venue for this event.
RSAC
Three
Lochs Classic - Sunday 8 August
Twenty
starters started from the Morris Equestrian Centre at Fenwick for this
years event. The sunny start soon turned into thundery showers as the
crews headed north west. Despite this unwelcome deluge the crews
progressed into calmer weather to enjoy a drive round this amazing part
of Scotland. Full story
and pictures
Dundee Museum of
Transport Presentation 27 May 2021
Museum
manager Alexander Goodger receives cheque from Jim Paterson
Your
club CCHMSC along with a small number of club members, presented a cheque for £1000 to the
Dundee Museum of
Transport on Thursday 27 May 2021. This donation will pay for the
provision of brown tourist signs pointing to the museum from
various
places around Dundee city.
Organiser Ron Adam and club chairman Jim
Paterson met with the team at the museum in Market Street for the
presentation. A special cheque for the occasion was handed over to
museum manager Alexander Goodger. Full story and pictures
Mike
Gascoigne : 1949 - 2021Report by
Jim Paterson
Mike
Gascoigne, who has died aged 72, was involved in many aspects of
motorsport in Scotland, and at the time of his death he was still
Chairman of RSAC Motorsport Limited.
Mike (left) with Allan Dean-Lewis (MSA) receiving
award in recognition of 100 years of the RSAC.
I
was privileged to meet Mike several times at the Three Lochs Classic
events when we worked together as judges for the prizes and Concours
d'Elegance as the cars returned from their tour. Mike
was always ready to offer advice and share his views on the cars we
were judging, particularly if they were Lancia, his favourite marque. A
few light hearted comments could be thrown in for good measure, and
make me smile. Little did I know that the 2019 event would be the last
time we would meet. He will be sadly missed at the upcoming 2021 event
on Sunday 8 August.
Motorsport
Lifetime Achievement Award for Jonathan Lord
The
Board of RSAC Motorsport were delighted to hear that fellow Board
member and Secretary, Jonathan Lord is the recipient of a Lifetime
Achievement Award from Motorsport UK. This is the highest honour
bestowed by the governing body and is presented in recognition of
outstanding achievement over many years in the sport.
Jonathan
first started with the Royal Scottish Automobile Club in 1976, later
becoming Club Secretary and also Company Secretary of RSAC Motorsport
from 1989. Today he is of course well known as Clerk of the Course for
the RSAC Scottish Rally as well as various other motorsport events
across Scotland, also as a Motorsport UK Steward, Safety Delegate and
since 1997 Competitor Relations Officer on Rally GB. Behind the scenes
though he also undertakes several other motorsport roles including
handling Route Authorisations on behalf of the Scottish Government and
acting as Route Liaison Officer and Forestry Liaison Officer for
Motorsport UK. All of this on top of his busy non-motorsport interests
and commitments.
Jonathan, as
the
Scottish RLO, has provided support and guidance to our club on many
occasions, and we join the others in congratulating him on receiving
this well deserved award.
The Board offers its
congratulations to Jonathan and also congratulates the other Lifetime
Achievement Award winners and Scots, Jimmy McRae and Sir Jackie
Stewart. More information on these and other Motorsport UK awards can
be found in the March issue of Revolution
Joint winners secure the Gold trophy for the
event.
Car
3, the 1953 Jaguar C Type of Tim Hunt and Car 11, 1954 Citreon Light 15
of Neil Turner proved impossible to beat, scoring 37 points out of 40.
Well done.
Car
of the event, as chosen by the other entrants was the magnificent 1955
Mercedes Benz 230SL 'Gullwing' crewed by Giovanni and Achille Tresoldi.
A great choice for an alpine tour.
The event included international crews from Scotland, England,
Northern Ireland, France, Italy and Slovenia for this exciting drive up the
Alps. No
vaccinations required.
MOTOR
VALLEY VIRTUAL TOUR 2020 - 26 to 29 December
The Full Story
The crews reached the finish
in time to get home for New Year.
The
four days that were spent together from Saturday 26 to Tuesday
29
December took the crews to the heart of Emilia and Romagna,
in the land
of engines: the Motor Valley.
La Carrera Pandemica - 26 to 29
October: Full Story
Winners
Car No 17 1955 Lancia Aurelia Spyder (B24) Craig McGibbon
and Karsten Brown
Car No 24 1963
Shelby Competition Cobra 289 Le Mans Hardtop John Stuart
The second
CCHMSC 'virtual' tour, this time ‘La Carrera
Pandemica’
Using the same lines as the April
event with
maps and questions on the route being sent out on 4 consecutive days
and scoring based on the number of correct answers. Gold, silver and
bronze award certificates were given based on the number of points
scored. The entrants also chose their ideal
‘virtual’ classic car which would be eligible for
the
‘Car of the Event’ award.
Our
Italian friends who joined the event have written a report on their
website. Prominent is the Saltire flag. Fino alla prossima volta (Until
next time)
AGM
- Adjournment - 24 September
Following
the ever changing Covid-19 restrictions your club has taken the
decision to adjourn until further notice the AGM planned to
take
place on Thursday 24 September at 7.30pm in Royal George Hotel Perth.
This was a delayed date from the usual March / April meeting date.
With
the uncertainty of future restrictions, which currently are also
affecting the hospitality venues, reducing their capability to host
meetings with the numbers of people expected, make it
impossible
to predict a new date. As soon as the situation eases to allow us to
proceed we will announce a revised date.
We can confirm that
your club is in good shape and working hard on the 2021 calendar ,
which we hope will allow us some time out with our classics when this
pandemic is under control.
Meantime please stay safe.
Trieste Opicina Historic Virtuale
11th – 14th May 2020 Well
done to Enrico Tresoldi in achieving a 'full house' top score to win
the event in his 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider. CCHMSC member Jim
Paterson secured the Concours d'Elegance honours with his 1936 Bugatti
Atlantic SC57. A bit like 'Coals to Newcastle'
Nine CCHMSC members joined the crews for this exciting 4 day tour,
attempting to answer a wide range of questions that had us diving for
the 'asprin' as headaches started to kick in.
A
big 'Thank You' to Club dei Venti all 'Ora for organising the event and
inviting our club members to take part.
Go West..... Tales for adventures in North
America - Bill Pollock Back
in September 2018, CCHMSC member Bill Pollock, often seen on
tours in his TR4 , headed of to the USA to take part in the Alcan 5000
with son Euan. We gave Bill some extra CCHMSC stickers to
promote
our club way out on the west coast.
Bill reminded me that the
stickers were proudly displayed, and duly noted by all the
other
entrants, organisers, and indeed everywhere they went. Bill's
overall plans did not quite go as planned, as his original car was to
be Euan's TR3, and note the CCHMSC sticker. Full Story
La
Carrera Lockdown - 13 to 16 April 2020 Story - David Spence
2020
– this was to be the year to get out and do tours –
many were planned,
kicking off with the Argyll Classic on 29th March, the HCC Spring Tour,
Drive It Day, the Red Hackle ….. etc. etc. – the
list goes on. Car all
prepped, accommodation booked, and then – a few Chinese folk
with a
cough developed into a global pandemic and suddenly – all
motorsport,
competition and tours – CANCELLED!!! So what to do?
Mags
Campbell came up with idea of a virtual tour – brilliant!,
but how
could we run it? We put our heads together and came up with a plan
– a
kind of table-top treasure hunt using maps and a route supplied by the
organisers to the participants, and questions about the route, the
places on or near the route and other little tricky tests to exercise
the grey matter of the crews. We would send out a day’s route
and
questions each day for 4 days and get the answers back on day 5 to give
them a bit of time. Awards would be in the form of a Gold, Silver or
Bronze certificate, depending on the number of points scored. The
overall winner would get a special award of something
“real”. [Full Story}
Monte
Starters brave torrential rain leaving Glasgow
The
weather omens were not with the Glasgow Monte Historique, Classique and
Heritage Run starters on Wedneday 29 January. Heavy rain, whipped up
with strong winds were a real test for the crews, some in open top cars!
You
can see them off, thanks to photographer Andy Thomlinson's great
selection of crews, at the earlier scrutineering, then at the start
The HERO Lands End to John O' Groats (Le JoG)
event entered Scotland on Monday 9 December,
to be greeted by blue skies and sunshine. Following a visit to
Kames for a test, the 70 plus crews headed to Loch Lomond Shores for
another test before their coffee / lunch stop at the Inn on Loch
Lomond. Fully Refreshed they headed over Glen Douglas to Loch Long,
Arrochar, and the Rest and be Thankful, for a regularity up the
hillclimb. We met them there with a host of CCHMSC members turning out
to wave them on their way northward to Killin, Kyle of Lochalsh and up
to John O' Groats.
Over 50 members turned out for the end of year high tea at the Royal
George
Hotel in Perth on the afternoon of Sunday 1st December. The traditional
Scottish High Tea of a main meal was followed by scones, cakes and the
biggest meringues on the planert, all made in house by the resident
baker.
Before tucking in to our meal we saw a video roundup of the
2019 events that members and the club had been involved in, followed by
the sneak peek at our 2020 calendar
Saltire
Classic Rally 2019
The winners in action, Andy Beaumont / Bob Hargreaves making a welcome
return with the Sunbeam Rapier to the Saltire Classic. 16
tests through forests, across farm tracks and over different terrains
with 4 regulaties thrown in to keep the navigators in their toes. More on Facebook Saltire Rally Club
Jim
Clark Rally - 8 & 9 November 2019 Anticipation of the event
running back on on closed roads was rewarded with excitement and
surprises as the event returned to Duns and the surrounding 11
closed road
stages of Abbey St. Bathans, Lanington Fogo and Blackadder. The
leader board told only part of the story. Read how it all unfolded at
John Fife's blog. As he says it was 'pure magic'
Andrew
Cowan. A lifetime in motorsport
The
club was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Andrew Cowan, who we
were privileged to meet on our Border Reivers tour back in April this
year. Our condolences to Andrew's family. You can read the AutoSport Obituary, and our Border Reivers story, and a great article about Andrew's life in MotorSport magazine.
Clyde Valley Rally - 29
September 2019
The
morning grey skies melted as we set off from Lanark Heritage Village
south toward Dumfries and Galloway. We welcomed additional starters who
turned up on the day. A great selection of classic cars were joined by
a few more modern classics. Our 145 mile run called in at Dumfries
House to enjoy a light lunch. From there we travelled the roads across
Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway, and the Scottish Borders to reach our
destination at Blyth Bridge.
Full Story
Maserati International Tour at the Rest and
be Thankful - 21 Sep
CCHMSC
members turned out to Marshal at the Rest and be Thankful hillclimb in
Argyll
supporting members of the Maserati Club on their International Tour on
Saturday 21 September. Over 120 Maserati’s from across the
world, one crew from Australia, was a rare sight to see, especially
under a clear blue sky bathed in bright sunshine. Full Story
La
Crofterra Pandemonia 7 & 8 September
Roddie
Main drives with Dave Spence in Dave's new Ford Cortina, leading the
way at the Inverness Fairways start of the 2019 Crofterra, heading for
the Isle of Skye.
See the slide show of the start
from Andrew Thomlinson.
Or scroll through the entries at the Fairways start
RSAC
Three Lochs Classic - 18 August
Around
sixty cars turned out at the Morris Equestrian Centre near Fenwick for
the annual RSAC Three Lochs Classic.
This year the
route took the crews east and south towards Nithsdale, where the
organisers had again managed to find three lochs to maintain the name
of the event.
As
in past years there was a choice of a short route of around 40
miles suitable for cars in the
Veteran Class, and a long route of
around 70 miles for everyone else.
CCHMSC visit M-Sport - 16
August The
weekend started on Friday 16 with a visit by around thirty CCHMSC
members to
M-Sport to see how they build WRC winning cars, at their Dovenby Hall
workshops in Cockermouth.
We
were privileged to see not only the history of the Malcolm Wilson led
facility, bringing back memories of the sixties and seventies, but also
see current WRC and Bentley GT3 R&D, manufacturing, car
build,and
preparation happening in front of our eyes. Full Story
Grass
Gymkhana - 4 August
The
forecast was thunder storms, but the grey skies quickly turned to blue,
with the sun pushing through, as we started our fun in the sun at
Rumbling Bridge near Kinross. Some new tests gave regulars a chance to
try out new maneuvers. The
overnight rain made the grass nice and slippy so a few 180 and 360
turns were to be expected. Full
Story
Hills
Dales and Passes - 8 & 9 June
19
starters arrived on a damp, cloud covered morning at the Gretna Gateway
Outlet Village for the start of our two day adventure across the Hills,
Dales and Lakeland Passes. Our crews soon met challenges due to the
heavy Friday / Saturday overnight rain. Standing water in hidden dips,
and swollen fords were just some of the features on
route. Sunday
however brought bright sunshine and the soft tops were folded down for
another challenging drive with 1 in 3 climbs over the passes making for
some interesting driving.
Over
twenty starters arrived at Balhousie Castle Perth, home of the Black
Watch Regiment museum, for the start of the 2019 Red Hackle Tour, on
Sunday 5 May. The bitter cold mornings of previous days soon warmed up
as the sunshine broke through the clouds. A route that took in some
spectacular countryside with amazing views around Angus, Perthshire and
Fife delighted the crews. A visit to the birthplace of racing ace Jim
Clark at Kilmany to see the monument erected in his name, continued the
'Jim Clark' theme of the Border Reivers event. Full strory and pictures
Highland Car Club Spring
Tour - 13 April 2019
30
crews gathered under clear but chilly blue skies for Highland Car
Club’s annual Spring Tour. Among them were CCHMSC members
Donald and
Mags Campbell with their venerable 1955 Sunbeam Mk3, Roddie and Sylvia
Main in their 1995 Mercedes SL320 and Dave and Maureen Spence in the
modern Renault Megane, their classic car not quite tour ready yet. Full
Story
Border
Reivers - 7 April
A
full line-up of forty classics turned out at Eddleston for the start of
the 2019 opening event in the club calendar. Though the skies were
heavy, as the scots would say 'dreich', it did nothing to spoil the
terrific route club members Ranald Bruce, and Louise Wall put together.
Taking us over great Scottish border country roads we called in at
the famous cashmere manufacturers Johnstons of Elgin Hawick
Mill for lunch. The afternoon surprise took us to a location
to
see some famous motorsport cars rarely available to
view.
Our tour took place on the 51st anniversary of Jim Clarks untimely
death at Hockenheim in 1968, and the club laid a wreath at his grave in
Chirnside, before heading to our final destination at Gifford for a
welcome meal.
The
Extraordinary and Annual General Meeting of the Caledonian
Classic and Historic Motor Sport Club presented to the members in
attendance the new Constitution at the meeting on Thursday 14
March. The members voted to adopt the new document. The full AGM
followed, with the Report and Accounts and other presentations being
adopted. Full Story
To download the new Constitution and view the list of Board Directors
go to the committee
page.
Monte
Historique and Classique
There
were 247 finishers in the recent Rallye Monte Carlo Historique. Of the
325 entries 294 got to the first of the 15 special regularity sections,
four of which were cancelled because of snow. Congratulations to Ecosse
Rallye Drivers Club members Ranald White and Karsten Brown who were not
only the highest placed Scottish Starter but the highest placed GB crew.
Conditions
were difficult also for those in the Classique event, for generally
much older cars, and their crews should be congratulated on taking
part. Most enjoyed the hospitality in Monte Carlo as a reward.
See Andy Thomlinson
slideshow Glasgow cars on
youtube
News
from 2018
High
Tea - Sunday 2 December Over
40 members turned out for the end of year bash at the Royal George
Hotel in Perth on the afternoon of Sunday 2nd December. The traditional
Scottish High Tea of a main meal was followed by scones, cakes and the
biggest meringues on the planert, all made in house by the resident
baker.
Before tucking in to our meal we saw a video roundup of the
2018 events that members and the club had been involved in, followed by
the sneak peek at our 2019 events calendar. Full story
Classic Vehicle Private
Viewing - 18 November The
club visit to the classic car viewing at Perth Airport, arranged by the
Rotary Club of Blairgowrie attracted over 200 members from CCHMSC and
other car clubs across Scotland.
Over 200 classic cars, many with
provenance were on display. Included in the visit was a visit to
the Aero
Club with 90 aircraft, many historic on display, some flying when we
visited. Finally we saw the Air Service Training hangar, where they
teach students from across the world how to repair
aircraft engines, both piston and jet turbines. Full StoryFull Details
It
is with deep regret that the club are forced to cancel the Gey
Foxy Rally, on 4 November due to lack of entries. With an entry
list in low single figures we cannot commit to the major
expenditure now required to run the event.
The number of
established Historic and Targa events at this time in the calendar may
have made our new event less attractive, though the team has worked
tirelessly for months to create and advertise an
exciting route,
tests and regularities to entice competitors.
Apologies to
those few who did enter, and the marshals who were willing to give up
their time voluntarily to help. However if very few want to
enter
then we are sadly left with this decision to cancel.
Over
30 crews arrived at the New Lanark Mills World Heritage Site for the
start of the 2018 Clyde Valley Rally on Sunday 30 September. A
challenging route led the crews to the lunch stop at the majestic
Drumlanrig Castle where we lined up in front of the castle and were
joined by a group of Belgian bikers, also on tour. Our second leg took
us over the hills offering some amazing views as the autumn sunshine
bathed the landscape. Full Story
Bo'ness
Revival - 1 & 2 September
The
heat turned up at Bo’ness, in the sky and on the track. A
damp
Saturday changed to 22 degrees on the Sunday unleashing on track
excitement to entertain the record breaking crowd of spectators.
Crofterra Pandemonia 1 -
2 September
Another successful Crofterra from the team at
Highland
Car Club. The La Crofterra Pandemonia set off from Fairways on
Saturday
morning on a loop that brought them back to Inverness for the
overnight.
Sunday saw them head off toward Speyside,
with a visit the “Motormania”
Classic Car Event in Grantown on
Spey. Read all about their antics on Facebook
RSAC Three
Lochs Classic - 19 August The
RSAC Three Lochs Classic headed for new territory for the 2018 event.
Over 50 classic and sporting cars lined up at the Morris
Equestrian Centre, just north of Kilmarnock, to challenge the all new
big and wee routes, each taking in 3 new lochs. Veteran, vintage,
classic and sporting cars drove either the big 75 mile route, or the 60
mile wee route. The overcast skies melted to let the sun shine down on
the crews as they set off on their run. Full story and photos
Grass
Gymkhana
- 5 August 2018
A
great day greeted the cars and crews for the second running of our
Gymkhana at Rumbling Bridge on Sunday 5 August. With a good
selection
of classic and sporting cars the crews took turns to test their skills
on a series of challenging tests that often looked easier than they
were.
Arctic
Adventure - 10 to 31 May 2018 The Full
Story During
a casual conversation last winter a plan was hatched that would see
three cars and six CCHMSC members take on a memorable trip beyond the
Arctic Circle.
Dave and Maureen Spence, Donald and Margaret
Campbell and Ranald Bruce and Louise Wall made their way to Tananger,
near Stavanger, Norway to start their journey on Thursday 10th May 2018.
Dave
had excelled himself as usual by producing an excellent route book and
maps which were loosely based on a road trip he had done in the
‘70s
and two scout trips some years before.
We were not to be disappointed as you will see in the
Nathalie
McGloin presents F1 trophy
A strong signal
by MSA Chairman
David Richards CBE to nominate Nathalie McGloin, the
only female tetraplegic in the world to be racing cars,
present the
third-place trophy to Kimi Raikkonen, at the British GP Silverstone,
which he warmly received. It demonstrated the
energy our motorsport puts in
to make the sport available to all. Also featured in
the pits was Billy Monger, who lost both lower legs in an
horrific accident racing in F4 at Donnington in April 2017, and is
already back at the wheel of a race car.. He joined Lewis Hamilton,
Sebastian Vettel,
Kimi Raikkonen at the Silverstone F1 event Full
Story
The Red Hackle Tour - 6
May
Fifteen cars left the Green
Welly Café at Tyndrum around 9.30 a.m. on a bright but cold
morning.The
route headed north up Glen Coe where the scenery was spectacular, with
some low clouds and snow caps adding to the beauty. A detour
into
Glencoe village, then Fort William. We continued
north
heading for Mallaig with amazing scenery.
Perthshire Classic Car Festival
- Saturday 21
April
Perth
City and Scone Palace bathed in unbroken sunshine and blue skies to
welcome the thousands of visitors to the Perthshire Classic Car
Festival on Saturday 21 April.
The Parade cars arrived at
Scone Palace to be 'dressed; with their rally plates and other
documentation, before driving down to Tay Street in Perth to line up
along the side of the River Tay. Full Story
Perthshire Classic Car Festival - 21
April
The Press Launch on Tuesday 6 at Scone Palace featured in STV news,
Courier, Daily
Record, Scotsman and
other motoring journals. The Rotary
Club of Blairgowrie are
organising the first Perthshire Classic Car
Festival which will take place on Saturday 21st April 2018.
The
Festival is raising funds for, Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer
Scotland and The Rotary
Foundation. Read the full Press Release
* Not run on an MSA permit.
Supported by Rotary International.
Tour of the Wall - 25 March 2018 A
sunny if rather chilly morning greeted around 30 starters for this
first event of the CCHMSSC season, which took us over the byways
through the Scottish Borders, before crossing over into England. After
a lunch stop we headed along the route of Hadrian's Wall allowing time
to visit some of the Roman forts and exhibitions on the way. Soft tops
were down under blue skies and sunshine. A great way
to start the year.
The
Annual General Meeting of the Caledonian Classic and Historic Motor
Sport Club was held on Thursday 15 March 2018 at the Royal
George Hotel Perth. Reports from the Club President and
Treasurer
were provided and members turned out to agree the Principal Office
Bearers and committee members to lead the club for the forthcoming
year. Many good ideas were discussed and the committee will look at
implementing these over the coming year.
News
from 2017
High
Tea
- 3 December Our
annual end of the year get together attracted over 40
members at The Royal George Hotel in Perth.
Travelling from across Scotland we all enjoyed a traditional Scottish
High Tea and chat about our year of
classic motoring. After a few light refreshments we watched the video review of
the past year, a now regular feature of our High Teas, reminding many of
their escapades on previous events. A great meal was enjoyed by all,
with much chat about our experiences.
Club
president Jim Paterson introduced Colin Stewart of the Rotary Club of Blairgowrie, organising the 2018
Blairgowrie
Drive it Day event on 22nd April*, raising funds for several charities.
Colin reported that the entry list was almost full. It
is even closer to being full, after many members went on line
immediately to
secure their places. Secure yours now here:- blairgowrieclassiccartour.co.uk/entry-form/
* Not run on an MSA
permit. Supported by Rotary International.
Clyde
Valley
Rally
- 22 October
Storms
Ophelia and Brian had left their mark with standing water and debris on
many of the rural roads across the Clyde valley and beyond. This made
for a challenging route for the starters of this years event. The sun
did break through, with Craig and Rod Ritchie being first to took the
top down on their Porsche Boxster. Full Story
Jim Clark Trust
£1500 Cheque - 20 October Highland
Car Club's Crofterra Pandemonia event in early September raised
£1500 from the raffles run on the Saturday and Sunday
evenings.
Members Dave Spence and Roddie Main presented the cheque to Ben Smith
on Friday 20 October at the Jim Clark Rooms in Duns. Full Story
CCHMSC help World Travellers on their
trip
Call and email arrived
on the evening Sunday 3rd September from Herman Zapp, traveling in a
1928 Graham Paige car.
We
have 17 years on the road. Needing to replace a flat window glass from
the car and do a bit of welding. Could our club help them out?
What a challenge for a Sunday evening.
Did we manage
to help? Find out
Selkirk
Classic Car Show - 17 September
Alan
Duncan headed down to Selkirk to see the collection of classic cars,
commercials, and Americana. A few unusual vehicles in the field as
well. See his photos of the day on
HCC
Crofterra Pandemonia
- 9 & 10 Sept Fantastic
weekend over many roads not driven on this event before. Almost 400
miles centred around the Moness Resort at Aberfeldy. A wide selection
of classic and sporting cars, coupled with more than a few challenging
events, made this one to remember.
Balmaha,
on the shores of Loch Lomond, welcomed 60 starters for the 2017 Three
Lochs Classic on Sunday 20th August. The
inbound hurricane Gert was thankfully delayed over the Atlantic making
it a dry if at times cool run across the roads of the Trossachs. With a
shorter 'wee' run of 58 miles for the veteran class, and 75 miles for
the rest, this year featured two lochs and a lake. The Automotive
University of Rhu once again provided degrees for those entering the
light hearted 'examinations', and a Concours d'Elegance completed the
day. Full Story
Grass
Gymkhana - 6 August. Rumbling Bridge Kinross
With
a collection of cars spanning almost a 100 years, members of the club
met
in a grass field at Rumbling Bridge near Kinross. Member George Shand
had put together a series of fun Gymkhana activities to test our
driving and navigational skills. From judging a gap to drive through,
climbing a twisting hill track, to driving a complex course blindfold,
and more. There was fun under the sun for everyone. Full Story
Sunday Worship
- 9 July The Sunday worship at Waitrose Milngavie on Sunday
July 9th was joined by members of the Glasgow Vintage
Vehicle Trust (www.gvvt.org) with 3 of their
historic vehicles. A great breakfast meeting.
Sunday Worship
- 4 June
A wide selection of classic
metal turned up for Classic
Car Tours 'Sunday
Worship” breakfast meeting
on Sunday June 4th 2017
at Waitrose Milngavie.
The event was primarily for local owners of classic, sports, prestige
and
performance cars who would like to meet with other owners, have some
breakfast and share stories and talk about their cars. Those who wish
to travel from further afield are also most welcome to join us.
Checkout Andy Thomlinson selection of photos from the day
Blue
skies and sunshine welcomed the crews at Bahousie Castle in
Perth
for the start of the Red Hackle Tour. Balhousie Castle is home to the
Black Watch museum and formed a stunning backdrop for our departure.
Crossing
many new and unknown roads in Pethshire and Angus, passing over peaks
and through glens, the magnificent scenery made this a day to
remember. Full Story
Tour
of the Stills - 15 April 2017 25
cars and crews gathered at Fairways Leisure, Inverness on a cold
blustery overcast morning for the start of the Highland Car
Club’s
third running of their one day tour, this time entitled the
“Tour of
the Stills”, the name giving a clue to some of the locations
we would
be visiting along the way. Full
Story
Its’
a Regularity Jim, but
not as we know it ! Member John Stuart has been
challenging the roads of the Rally
Costa Brava while we were heading for the Argyll Classic.
FIA
in date
helmets for a regularity? These were required for the Rally Cost Brava
on 24/25 March. As well as having 60 and 70 kph regularity classes it
was also a full stage event including the first round of the
European Historic Stage Rally Championship. Find out how John got on in
his Autobianchi Full
Story
Argyll
Classic - 26 March
Over
30
entries gathered under unbroken sunshine at Lomond Shores on Sunday 26
March to start the 160 mile tour of 'Argylls Secret Coast'. Our first
visit took us to the iconic Rest and be Thankful hillclimb
where
Diane and Stephen Kinghorn provided a warm welcome to all the crews.
The route continued under ever warming sun filled skies across little
used roads along the secret coast, with amazing views and spectacular
scenery. Full Story
Monte Historiques arrive at Monaco
finish
A Job
well done - great
teamwork from Andy Thomlinson and Jim 'Wizard' Wilson and
Anhangá
The
Paisley starters have completed the 14 regularities with Volvo Amazon
'Anhangá' driven by club members Andy Thomlinson and Jim
'Wizard' Wilson reaching the finish without putting a spanner
anywhere
near her, reported Jim. Taking 260th position on their first
time out is amazing.
Members
Ranald White and Karsten Brown in the
Rover P6 had an equally successful event, securing highest place of the
group at 169th. Chasing the Rover were members John Roberts and Oliver
Tomlins in the Fiat 124 Coupe in 210th place. Gordon and David Glen
secured 224th in their Opel Kadett, despite a dodgy exhaust valve
problem from early on. David Glen and Andy Sturgess in their
Escort Mk11 RS2000, were right behind Anhangá at 264th.
First
off the blocks for the 2017 Monte Carlo Historique were Gordon Glen
driver, with son David in the co-driver seat. Here Andy Thomlinson
joined them at the Paisley start for a quick photo opportunity, and the
full 'thumbs up' After the crowd at Paisley waved them off
over
the ramp, they headed south to Monaco. The Historique and Classique
crews arrived at the first overnight stop and passage control at Barnby
Moor, some in the small hours of Thursday morning. After catching a few
winks of sleep they are off again to Dover and over the channel to
Calais. Spectators at Paisley were entertained by fireworks and smoke
streams as each of the cars departed over the ramp. Some 40 Heritage
cars followed on their way to local destinations, Stirling, Dumfries,
and Balmaha. Four classics even arrived on a Heritage run from John O'
Groats. Entry List
Anhangá
- 2017 Monte Carlo Historique Volvo Amazon spotted
at
secret location.
Andy
Thomlinson brought his freshly prepared Volvo Amazon, affectionately
known as 'Anhangá (an Amazonian spirit that often
protects
animals, especially the females and young ones, and tends to appear as
a white deer with red eyes), to a secret location, as part of final
testing.
Together
with Jim Wilson, who not only will be Co-Driver to Andy, but also built
this magnificent machine, they tested the car on a snow and ice covered
surface. See the car perform in controlled slides on this short video
clip.
SACC
Navigational Rally Championship
The
Scottish Association of Car Clubs are promoting a Championship to be
known as the “Scottish Navigational Rally Championship
2017”. The Championship is open to members of any club
affiliated
to the Scottish Association of Car Clubs (SACC). download the Regulations
and register your place
George Johnson drives into the
sunset George
Johnson, who many of us knew, if only by the sight of his unique tartan
Mazda MX5, sadly passed away on New
Years Day. A long time member, and one time chairman
of Stirling Classic Car Club, George was always there
to help
anyone out. Full story
News
from 2016
Christmas
High Tea - 4 December Over
40 members gathered in Perth for the clubs annual end of year get
together over a traditional Scottish High Tea. We gathered in the bar
(where else) before organiser Jim Paterson jumped up on a table to
request crews to 'start your engines' and make the
their way
to the dining room. Full story
Run to
Kinlochleven - 9 October
Alan
Duncan and friends took to the highlands for his 10th anniversary run
to Glencoe, except this time he kept going to Kinlochleven. Read his
story, and checkout his photos. Plus a great video from the Rust2Rome
crew in the heavily modified Jaguar XJS. A real treat Full Story and Pictures
Rally of the
Borders - 2 October Twenty
three crews in a wide range of classics started the second
running
of Rally of the Borders on Sunday 2nd October
from the New
Lanark World Heritage Village. The sun cut through the early morning
mist as they headed south east on their 140 mile tour across
the border country roads. A refreshment stop
at Lockerbie,
gave cars and crews a breather, before the second stage headed
north to the finish at Netherurd House for a snack, tall
tales,
and awards. Full
story
Crofterra
Pandemonia
- 3 & 4 September
Amazing
weekend for the Highland Car Club Crofterra, covering some 450 miles
across the great
roads of northern Scotland. Starting at Fairways Inverness the
route
headed north west over many single track roads under brilliant
sunshine, offering spectacular views. Reaching Durness, within shouting
distance of Cape Wrath, the most north westerly point of the
UK we
hugged the rugged west coast down to Ullapool to overnight. Sunday had
yet more in store. Full
Story and pictures
Kirkintilloch
Canal Festival - 21 August Alan
Duncan headed over to see the Festival. Starting on the Saturday with
bands and entertainment, the roads were closed off on the
Sunday from 10am to allow the Classic, Vintage, and Americana
(Yanks as Alan puts it), to drive in for the classic lineup.
The
Kennedy Cupcake and the Jump and Jive Dancers were there too.
Biggar Rally - 14 August The
clouds were forming up to what could have made a wet afternoon at
Biggar, for the annual Albion Rally. However the day remained dry for
the classic cars, commercials, buses, motorcycles,
military, and
agricultural machinery arriving from across the country .
Alan
Duncan sported his camera and provided a great selection of photos which is a
must see.
Three
Lochs Classic - 6 August
Great
day
on the Three Lochs Classic, at the new Balmaha venue on the side of
Loch Lomond. Over 30 cars, some dating from 1911, enjoyed up to 60 mile
trip round the Trossachs. Weather stayed bright and sunny until all got
back for prizes, so soft tops down all the way. Full Story
Glamis Extravaganza
- 9 & 10 July
This
years event organised by Strathmore Vintage Vehicle
Club
boasted an entry over the weekend of over 1000 vehicles of all ages,
shapes and size plus 150 stands dealing in auto-jumble, motor trade,
antiques, fund raising and crafts. CCHMSC members Mags and Don Campbell
brought their Sunbeam Talbot along. Alan Duncan survived the rain and
mud underfoot to capture the day on film.
Run to
Inversnaid - 3 July A wet
start for the KDCVC Run to Inversnaid, organised
by Alan Duncan, though
the sun came out on route.
Passed the Watch and Whisky Car
Run, with around 16 super cars including
Lamborghini,
Ferrari, Aston Martin and more.
A red 1955 Gull-Wing Mercedes
300SL enjoyed much attention. See them all at Alan's flickr album
Sunday Worship - 3 July A selection of fine classic metal turned out to
join the congregation at Waitrose in Milngavie for 'Sunday Worship'
organised by Bill Telford of Classic Car Tours. Andy Thomlinson was
there to capture the cars as they lined up for the visitors to view.
See Andy's photo selection at
Strathmore
Classic Car Tour - 26 June 2016 The
Rotary Club of Forfar held its first Strathmore
Classic Car Tour on
Sunday 26th of June, in aid of Scotland’s Charity Air
Ambulance. Starting in forfar the entrants enjoyed a 125 mile route,
raising over £15,000 for the charity Full Story
May Weekend Fun
at Volksfling - 30 May Volksfling
came to Biggar for the bank holiday weekend, attracting a wide
selection of everything, and anything Volkswagen, classic, modern, and
heavily customised as well.
I travelled the 20
odd miles to Biggar with friend Graham
in his 1972 VW Beetle 1600GT. Now GT and Beetle seem hard to
say in the same breath, but his can squirt along the road at top side
of 70mph with no problem at all. Full Story
Richard and Yvonne Bartniczek in
Alfa Spider chase Dave Spence and Roddie Main
in
the 'Big Bopper', 5 litre V8 Capri. Photo Kenny Cocker
Twentythree
crews made the start of this first trip for the club this year
into the Cairngorm
National Park for the Tour of the Grampians. Blue skies and sunshine
welcomed the starters to the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, which
continued with only a short light shower as we approached Grantown on
Spey for our lunch stop.
The 170 mile route covered a mix of tight twisty, and fast flowing
roads across the tops and through the glens. Full Story
Drive It
Day Strathendrick Classic
- 24 April This
year the Strathendrick Rotary Classic Car Tour was
were celebrating their tenth annual Classic Car Tour. The Charities
supported by the Tour this year are CHAS the Children’s
Hospice
Association of Scotland and Mary’s Meals.
The entry numbers exceeded all previous tours. 87 cars took part with a
few people still on the waiting list. Full Story
Ecosse
Challenge - 4 & 5 June CANCELLED Lack of
entries forces cancellation of this event
It is with much regret that the club has had to be cancel this
two day event. Unfortunately the new format of tour, tests, and regularities, with a half
price entry compared to past years, and cut
price overnight accommodation option on the Saturday, failed to provide
sufficient interest.
Our sincere
apologies to those who had entered and were looking forward to an
exciting two days of activities, crossing some stunning Scottish
scenery.
Drive It
Day
- 24 April The 2016
sunshine brought out classic car owners across the country. This
first report from CCHMSC member Dave Spence covers the Highland Classic
Motor Club outing around Inverness. Full Story
Tour of the
Firths
- 16 April Twentyfive
cars lined up at Fairways,
Inverness on the morning of the 16th, for
the Highland Car Club tour of the firths. Instead of exploring the
rugged
mountains and glens of the west coast or lochs of the Great Glen, the
2016 Tour of the Firths took to the calmer waters (although not so calm
on the day) of the area north east of Inverness, comprising the Black
Isle and Easter Ross. Full
Story
Galloway
Gallop - 3 April Was
a bit dreich (overcast and light rain) for the Lanark start of the
Galloway Gallop on Sunday 3rd. Over 30 classics headed south
west to the border roads driving into sunshine and blue skies
across Dumfries and Galloway.
Don and Mags Campbell sported
oldest car in their 1955 Talbot Sunbeam, on its first event since
completion of much upgrading. Lots of exciting cars reached the finish
at Netherurd House, Blyth Bridge for meal and presentations. Full Story
CCHMSC - Annual General
Meeting - 17 March Notice is hereby given that the Annual
General Meeting of the Caledonian Classic and Historic Motor Sport Club
Ltd will be held on Thursday 17 March 2016 at the Royal George Hotel,
Tay Street, Perth PH1 5LD at 7.30pm.
All current club members are invited to attend.
The meeting Agenda can be viewed and downloaded [Agenda]
Dixon takes MGB
to open the season CCHMSC
members Ian Dixon and Maurice Millar teamed up in Ian's MGB/GT for the
opener of their season on 28 February the Saltire Rally at Blair
Atholl. The format for the day was 16
tests, with 4 regularities. Read
how the pair got on [Full
Story]
Having
enjoyed the Saltire so much Ian and MGB headed down to Wigton for the
White Heather Rally. This time fellow CCHMSC member Richard Welsh
joined Ian in the left seat.
A
full day of twentyfour tests
and only 2 miles of public road, on the vast Kirkbride
aerodrome, made
for a very compact but
enjoyable event. Aerodromes are hard on the tyres as you can find out
when you read their story. [Full
Story]
Online
marshals' training and accreditation
Legendary
co-driver Nicky Grist helped the Motor Sports Association (MSA) launch
a new online training and accreditation scheme for rally and cross
country marshals at Autosport International. [Full Story]
Dare to be
Different: Driving Female Talent Susie
Wolff and the Motor Sports Association – governing body of UK
motorsport – have joined forces to launch Dare To Be
Different, a
high-profile new initiative that will inspire, connect and celebrate
women who work in every aspect of motor sport.
Dare
To Be
Different is about increasing female participation, not just on the
track but in all aspects of the sport and other perceived
male-dominated industries. [Full
Story]
Monte
Carlo Paisley Start & run to Monte The
Paisley start activities began early on the afternoon of Wednesday the
27th, with the Historique, Classique and Heritage crews arriving. By
6.00pm some 70 classics were in place for the start over the ramp and
off to France, Dumfries or Balmaha. Read of their adventures to Monte [Full Story]
blue
skies of Monte Carlo ahead
Classique crews
arrive in Monte
It
must seem a long time since the Classique cars left John O' Groats on
Wednesday morning. After 1542 miles at least the Riley WD is parked up
on the quay at Monte Carlo. Well done to John Lomax, Grdon McAllan and
the Blue Diamond support team. Amazing trip at an average of
around 30mph. Thanks for sharing the trip on Locatoweb. We have
followed you every step of the way. Enjoy the party tonight. You all
deserve it.
Monte Carlo Tales
Relive
the excitement with this first report covering the Classique and
Heritage run from John O' Groats to Paisley .
Starting
at dawn in JoG the crews headed down a snowy A9 to Inverness,
Perth, Stirling and Glasgow. Alan Duncan kept ahead of the crews to
catch a few shots as they drove by. [Full Story]
Monte crews in France
Classique
and Reims tour crews reach France. Tracking the Riley WD shows they
travelled through the Channel Tunnel early this morning and passing San
Quentin on way to Reims. Over 900 miles on the clock since departing
John O' Groats only 2 days ago. Well done to crew John Lomax, Gordon
McAllan and the Blue Diamond support team. Got to make Monte Carlo for
Saturday night dinner. Watch this space
The
Wednesday Paisley start for the Classique, and Reims tour ended in
Dumfries for an overnight stop. Thursday started with a run to Croft
circuit on their way to the Hull Zebrugge ferry. P&O called to
say
crossing cancelled due to technical problems. Reims tour rescheduled to
Harwich/Hook of Holland but managed to get on Hull/Rotterdam (whew).
Classique decided to head for Dover, some 310 miles away, for Calais
crossing. Big ask for Riley WD at average 27mph. At 11.00pm I have them
at Maidstone. Go Riley, and BD. you can make it
Monte
Carlo - Paisley Start
Paisley
lit up for the start of the Monte Historique, Classique and Heritage
Runs on Wednesday 27th. Earlier downpours had cleared giving the crowd
sight of a wide selection of classic cars as they rolled over the ramp,
some needing a bit of a push. Full story to follow but you can see an
amazing number of photos from the event
Alan
Duncan has a set from John O' Groats, and the road down, plus Paisley
Full set 360 photos
Monte
Carlo Classique - John O' Groats Start
The
Classique starters are on their way. After
enjoying a Burn's Supper last night the crews rose early for the start
at John O' Groats. Now heading down the A9 toward Paisley. You can
follow them all the way [Full
Details]
Wet Wet
Wet at Paisley - 26 January 2016
The weather, not
the group!
The
rain poured down and the wind howled around Paisley Abbey, but three of
the stalwart crews turned out with their steeds for the press
photo shoot at 0900 on Tuesday 26th. It takes more than a
spot of
rain to stop these guys. Jim Meggat, John Lomax and Ranald White hang
on to the sign,before it flies over the abbey roof.
[Full Story]
Monte
Carlo Scottish Start - 27 January 2016
Final fettling of the cars before the big start -
0800 on Wednesday at John O' Groats and 1800 at Paisley Abbey.
Latest
update from Gordon McAllan, SRE scribe, and copilote in the
1931
Riley WD. Where they go after Paisley, on the route to Monte Carlo.
Endurance is only the start! [Full Story]
Monte
Carlo Classique Riley
Gordon
McAllan, who scribes the Scottish Riley Enthusiasts newsletter will be
co-driver/navigator of a 1931 Riley
WD Tourer, driven by John Lomas on the Monte Carlo Classique on 27th
January.
The Blue
Diamond Riley Services, based near Taunton, well known for their
expertise in all things Riley have carried out a major and sustained
programme of work to ensure that the chosen steed will be
ready to
take part and able to cope with whatever challenges the Winter weather
and the traditional roads used may pose [Full
Story]
CCHMSC joins
NESCRO Your
club is delighted to announce that we are now part of the North of
England and Scottish Classic Rally Organisation. We join our
friends from Saltire, Highland, and South of Scotland CC, along with
many in the north of
England, and Club Triumph who many will have met in years past on
CCHMSC events. Nescro 2016 calendar now published, at www.nescro.co.uk.
Lots of events of all types. Pen some in to your diary.
News
from 2015
High Tea
- 6 December Around
40 members braved the wild weather, avoiding floods and landslips to
reach the Royal George Hotel in Perth for the clubs annual high tea
when we can all chat around the year past and look forward to 2016
events. Full Story
Monte
2016 Paisley Press Launch - 22 October Veteran
navigator Willy Cave jetted into Glasgow to be present at the Press
Launch for the 2016 Rallye Monte Carlo Historique. Bowler hatted Willy
was delighted to be reunited with a 1950's London taxi, similar to one
in which he competed in the 1961 Monte Carlo Rallye with racing driver
Tony Brookes and Peter Dimmock [Full
Story]
Rally
of the Borders - 18 October
Great
day for the 15 crews on Rally of the Borders. Early morning mist burned
back to glorious sunshine as we left the New Lanark Heritage village on
our 140 mile tour over little used roads many crews had never driven
before, and treating them to some fantastic views. Full Story
Les Montagnes
de France - 24 Sept to 7 Oct
Three
thousand miles later all of us are home, having
driven some
2500 miles of European roads across France, Spain, Andorra and Italy.
The eight crews
climbed countless cols in the Alps and the Pyrenees, as well as many
crossing France.
The
Nuit du Mentonnais added a further 120 miles of col bashing in the
Maritimes crossing the Turini, twice. Here
are our adventures. Premier
ÉtapeDeuxième
Étape Nuit du
MentonnaisTroisiéme
ÉtapeDernière
Étape
Ann Wisdom - An Appreciation We are very sorry to report the passing of Ann
Riley (born Ann Wisdom), on 14 October 2015, after fighting illness.
As
Pat Moss's long-time co-driver in international rallying, Ann and Pat
were one of the most formidable and successful teams in the sport, not
only in the Ladies' category, which they habitually dominated, but
competitive at the same level as the men in this exciting, colourful
and gruelling sport. [more]
Glencoe
Run - 11 October
Around 60 Classic
cars,set off from Dobbies
Garden Centre, Stirling at 10am, on
Alan Duncan's drive to Glencoe. Passing through Callander towards
Crianlarich then up to Tyndrum to stop at the Green Welly for an hour.
Continued north calling in at the carpark at the top of the
hill
over looking Loch Tulla for some photos, and again at the ski carpark. [Full Story]
Crofterra
Pandemonia - 5 & 6 September Great
roads, to great places, with great company, enjoying
brilliant weather, a plus for the top down cars. Great
craic in the evenings made this once again a fantastic event
from
Highland Car Club.
From the start in Fort William we were taken to
places on the west coast of Scotland, over roads that most,
including me, had never driven over before. The overnight in Oban was
followed by a second day setting off eastwards to cross the
Cairngorms to finally reach the finish at Inverness for our meal and
presentations.
[Full Story]
August
Amble
- 23 August
Did
we catch the sunshine window for the rally. Did we just! The 37 entries
lined up at Clattrin' Brig under blue skies and enjoyed a 130 mile
drive round some of the lesser known roads of Angus and Perthshire
visiting new
locations, while under those same blue skies. 20 Degrees in Scotland is
summer. Believe me! [Full
story]
Biggar
Rally
- 16 August An
great turnout for the 42nd Albion Bigger Rally. The sunshine
probably helped, and the number of families with children was
a welcome sight as the kids eyes popped at the sight of so many unusual
cars from all era's lined up on display. [Full
Story]
RSAC Three
Lochs Classic - 8 August
The
sun shone down on the 65 starters at the Royal Northern and
Clyde Yacht Club at Rhu, as they set off on their run to the Rest and
be Thankful. With a short route of some 45
miles for cars in the Veteran class and 90 miles for
everybody else, all looked well. Events unfolded to make it a very
different and interesting day. Full
story and
pictures
Run to Arisaig
- 8 & 9 August Twentyone
cars and crews set off from Stirling with Alan Duncan leading the way
on his second run to Arisaig. With the Capri Club Scotland and Oban Car
Club members joining on route they all headed for the west
coast. [Full
Story]
Classic
AutoSports BBQ - 11 July
Jaguars
here, Jaguars there, everywhere classic Jaguars. Well of course it has
to be BBQ time at Dave Barnetts workshops, where a warm
welcome,
and a feast always awaits. Not just to eat but a feast for the eyes
when customers classics join not only Jaguars being restored or fettled
but many other great makes. All under the summer sunshine. This year
is the best yet. [Full
Story]
Lake District
Classic - 29 June Club
member Ian Dixon with MGB/GT headed for the Lakes on 29 June
for
the LDC, His usual navigator Maurice Millar was not available
to
sit beside him, so Maurice MK2 Ellison sat in to
guide Ian
round the route. Read Maurices' report of the event and the
fun the pair had [Full
Story].
Drive the Mille Miglia - New Video
Motoring
journalist and XCar editor Alex Goy and Ben Cussons drove Bens' C type
PUG 676,
which was affectionaly called just PUG, on the 2015 Mille Miglia 14 to
17
May.
New
video of their trip is now online. Alex narrates you through the four
days, with lane splitting a technique I must master. Over 23
minutes driving across some great Italian roads. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zb0ComKmPZU&app=desktop
Alex and Ben practiced
in the same C Type on the Scottish Mini Miglia 29 April, which
you can see here. youtube.com/watch?v=QkUUJ3AH0W0&feature=youtu.be&a=
From
Mille Miglia to Via Flaminia 23 to 30 May
A
love of Italy must be in the blood for CCHMSC member Maurice Millar.
Not content with teaching the 2015 Jaguar Mille Miglia crews in
Scotland in April, or timekeeping on previous Mille Miglia's,
he headed to Italy to take part in the Via
Flaminia Classic. Read how he got on [Full Story]
End of an era - Erik Carlsson
It
is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of rally legend Erik
Carlsson on 27 May, at the age of 86. Club members Douglas Anderson and
Jim Paterson had the privilege of meeting Erik in September
2011 with Stuart
Turner for an interview which was presented to club members at
the Monte Carlo Room in the Blythswood hotel in
Glasgow. He will be sadly missed, but his memory lives on.
You can watch that interview at https://youtu.be/a0iIrufi2gQ
Jock's
Run - 24 May
Jock
Millar was joined by 24 crews on Jock’s Run to celebrate his
long
career in motor sport and his contribution to Forrestburn hillclimb and
Kames Sprint circuit. The event combined a ‘run
up’ the Monklands
Sporting Car Club’s hillclimb at Forrestburn, followed by a
tulip
roadbook tour through some of the most scenic roads linking Forrestburn
and East Ayrshire Car Club’s home at Kames, then production
car
autotests on the circuit. Full Story
Crews celebrate finish of 2015 Mille
Miglia Monday
18th May, and its time to gather for the final pictures before heading
home. The crews reached Brescia on Sunday
17th, day 4 and final day of this 1000 mile event, which
covered
the 290Km dash (175 miles) from Parma to the finish back in
Brescia, taking in a visit to the Monza race track making it an
exciting day. See the crews on our selection of daily twitter
feeds throughout the rally [here]
See the video of the event, released by
Jaguar. www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bb8BrYxJvQ
Tour
of the Ochils - 10 May Driving
across four counties, criss crossing narrow twisting roads
over
three hill ranges, passing 11 lochs and reservoirs through several
glens was the 125 mile challenge for the 13 starters of the Tour of the
Ochils. CCHMSC member George Shand had put together a demanding but
enjoyable route, over roads many had never driven before. With a stop
at the world famous Gleneagles Hotel what else could you ask for in
a Classic car tour.
[Full Story]
Mini
Miglia comes to Scotland - 29 April
Jaguar
brough their Heritage car collection to Scotland for the 2015 Mille
Miglia works entry crews to learn and practice the necessary
skills on an event put together by your club CCHMSC. The
crews
for the eight pre 1957 cars were taught how to read an Italian style
road book, what the Italian control boards meant,
regularities and average speed section, as well as an insight
to
the timing and trip meter operation. They then covered a 100 mile route
visiting three lochs, three glens, a hillclimb and a Scottish castle to
test their skills. They even had to refuel their vehicles.
There were a
few familiar faces driving the cars as you will see.Full Story
International
Auto Ecosse - 6 & 7 June
CANCELLED - 8 May It
is with much regret that we have to announce that the International
Autoecosse is cancelled. The club had put together a new route, with
new test sites, but this has failed to attract more than a handful of
entries.
As this is the second year running we have been forced to
cancel this event due to lack of entries we feel it is
now time to
retire the International Autoecosse in the current format.
Our
thanks to all who have enjoyed this event in the past and we will work
on something new and different to tempt you next year.
Strathendrick Classic
Run Drive it Day - 26 April The
ninth Classic Car Tour organised for Strathendrick Rotary was held on
Sunday 26 April, “Drive it Day”, 71
starters Dobbies car park near Stirling to allow a more
northerly route for a change. Full story and pictures
Drive it Day - 26 April
2015
A run
for drive it day is organised annually by the Highland Classic Motor
Club www.highlandclassic.org.uk
and this year was no exception. CCHMSC members Dave Spence and Roddie
Main, and Donald and Margaret Campbell decided that, having had such a
great day out the day before on Highland Car Club’s Tour of
the Lochs,
they would take part in the run. [more]
Tour
of the Lochs- 25 April The
forecast was daunting but the day turned out to be blue sky and
sunshine for most of the Highland Car Club tour round the lochs around
the Great Glen. I
joined as one of the 24 starters, in my son's 1970 Austin Healey
Sprite.
Top down for the whole 175 miles crossing some of the most
glorious
scenery in Britain,over roads I didn't know even existed. [Full Story and photos]
Argyll
Classic - 29 March
The Andrew Davidson Memorial Run Twentythree
starters lined up at Lomond Shores for the 2015 Argyll Classic. The
crews started the 170 mile tour of Argyll and the Trossachs with a
drive through Glen Fruin to the Gare Loch and on to
Loch Long to reach Arrochar and the Rest and be
Thankful,
where they
enjoyed a 'spirited but safe' drive up the old hillclimb. [Full story and photos]
Rally Costa
Brava - 13 & 14 March
Who said that
weather in Spain is all sunshine and Sangria? CCHMSC member
John Stuart felt right at home up in the mountains around Loret de Mar
when the snow came down.
A
last minute entry saw John sitting on the start ramp
of the Rally Costa Brava at the wheel of a hired Autobianchi A112
Abarth with Peter Collier navigating. The Rally Costa Brava (RCB) is
several events in one and is a round of the FIA European Historic Stage
Rally Championship and a round of the FIA European Regularity
Championship as well as several Spanish championships. We were one of
24 crews entered in the FIA Regularity class running at the tail of the
field. [Full Story]
David Glen in Triumph Dolomite
lights up the road
Monte
Carlo Historique - the video Relive
the magic that is the Monte Carlo Historique by watching this ACM
video. With shots of the Glasgow Paisley starters as they challenge the
french alpine sections, culminating with the final race up the Turini.
If you drove the Heritage to Luss the whiteout snow sections
will
remind you of your crossing the tops to Loch Lomond.
The soundtrack is cool too. http://youtu.be/9FMz_X-peQI
Paisley
starters reach Monte Carlo - 4 Feb
Well
the race is run and the finishers are in Parc Ferme in Monte Carlo.
Gordon Glen in his Opel Kadett takes top Paisley starter position at
176th overall. Swiss crew Michel Chatagny followed Gordon home at
200th, with nephew David Glen in the Triumph
Dolomite at 227
overall. Ranald White's Rover 2000 fettling paid of
well,
securing 252 overall, with Hutton and Hanlon in the Austin
1800
land crab creeping on to the list at 254th. The Aussies
suffered
mechanical failure in their Porsche 924 on ST1, and Zak Matten in the
Escort RS1600 went off course on ST8. Prizes for the finishers at the
Gala dinner in Monaco tonight.
Full results on the ACM website http://rallyliveresults.com/
The
Monte Start - 28 January
The
big occasion was welcomed with snow showers during the day and again as
the cars started their departures to Monte, Reims, Borders and Loch.
Paisley provost Anne Hall flagged off the starters, including event
organiser and club members Douglas and June Anderson in their Austin
Healey Sprite as Car Zero. Whiteout conditions on
the pass
over the hills to the Loch added to the 'Monte' feel . [Full story]
Ecosse
to Reims Tour - 28 to 31 January
Following
the seven Monte Carlo Historique starters at Paisley were the
15 Heritage Ecosse to Reims crews. Both groups were heading
over
to France
and would meet up in Reims. Organiser Jim Wilson had designed a more
interesting route for the Ecosse to Reims cars and crews,
with a
stop over near Carlisle on the way south to the ferry to the
continent from Hull to Zeebrugge. Before that the cars would have time
to stretch their legs on a run round Croft and Oliver's Mount
circuits in Yorkshire. At least that was the plan. [Full Story]
Monte
pre rallye Gala Dinner - 27 January
This
years pre-rallye Gala Dinner at the Glynhill Hotel
attracted
over 50 Monte and Heritage competitors, and enthusiasts. Guest
speaker Johnstone Syer, the well known International navigator
who
competed in
the Monte Carlo Rally nnie times, told us some of his many stories from
his etensive rallying career, including from London Sydney,
London Mexico, and Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok. [Full story]
Monte
Cars Display - Saturday 24 January
A
selection of cars that will be starting on Wednesday 28th January as
part of the Monte Carlo Historique departure from Paisley, were on
display at the Braehead Shopping centre on Saturday and Sunday 24 and
25 January.Joining
the Sprite on the display for the Saturday was James Meggat's Chrysler
Sunbeam, a product of the nearby Linwood factory,. For
Sunday Ranald White brought his Rover 2000TC, one of the seven
Historique
starters doing the 'Full 'Monte', over the alps to Monaco. [Full Story and Photos]
Andrew Davidson Memorial - 23
January
We
were deeply saddened to hear of Rest and be Thankful owner
Andrew
Davidson's recent death. Members of CCHMSC gathered for the Memorial
service at Arrochar Church, on Friday 23rd January,where we heard many
tales of his varied life as a navigator and pilot in the RAF,
to a
hill farmer in Glen Croe and his love of cars and all things
mechanical. Andrew
was the leading force behind bringing
the old rally and hillclimb route through Glen Croe back into use for
classic cars. He was often seen at the hairpin, or at the top
cheering on the cars. After the service we met daughter Diane
and
Stephen to chat about the good times and reminice. Both Diane and
Stephen will carry on the legacy of Andrew and continue to welcome
classic cars to 'The Rest and be Thankful'. [Full Story]
Monte
Mystery Car Zero Unveiled - 15 January
Douglas
Anderson, coordinator of the Monte Carlo Historique start at Paisley
unveiled this magnificent Austin Healey Sprite that he will
drive to
Monaco with his wife June as navigator, as the
course car for the Monte at West End Garage, Broughty Ferry on
Thursday
15 January. The car will be displayed in the garage showroom
window for a few days. [Full Story]
News
from 2014
Monte
News - 31 December
The
New Year edition of the Monte Carlo Historique Scottish Start
newsletter as sent to all members who receive the CCHMSC
newsletter. This issue - Unveiling of the Course Car (Car Zero) that
will lead the starters on their way. Display of Monte
Cars. Pre Gala
Dinner announces special guest. Tickets now
available. Heritage Runs
and Ecosse to Reims Tour updates. Download
this issue HERE (pdf 1.7Mb pdf)
Monte
2015 Photo Shoot - 17 December
It was a windy grey morning for
the Monte
Carlo Historique scottish start press release photo shoot at
Gleniffer Braes Country Park to the south of
Paisley.
Gordon Glen and Chris Sherrington brought their cars along to do battle
with the elements. [Full Story]
Monte
News - 15 December
The
Christmas edition of the Monte Carlo Historique Scottish Start
newsletter as sent to all members who receive the CCHMSC
newsletter. Tickets for the pre event
dinner on 27 January now available to reserve. Details of the Press
Launch on Wednesday 17th December, and the new poster for the
event. Download the latest issue HERE (pdf 1.2Mb)
Classic High Tea - 7 December
Over
40 members turned out on a wintry afternoon, with snow showers greeting
the crews as they arrived from Inverness, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow,
and all points on the compass. A great meal and plenty to drink (soft
drinks for the drivers) gave way to talk of events past and those to
come in 2015. [Full story]
Monte 2015 event meeting - 9
November
The
second meeting of interested parties wishing to enter the 2015
Monte
Carlo Historiques was held at th eBlythswood hotel in Glasgow. Everyone
now aware that the start will be from Paisley Abbey and start
coordinator Douglas andeson was able to update those present with the
proposals. Entrant Gordon Glen reported where he will be stopping over
on the route down to the channel so that others can plan their route.
An update on the Ecosse - Reims Heritage tour was also
provided [more]
Depart
D'Ecosse Launch - 6 November
Départ
d’Ecosse, tells the story
of the Scottish connection to the Monte Carlo Rally
was launched
in the Monte Carlo room at the Blythswood Square Hotel, in
Glasgow
on 6th November. Author Douglas Anderson gave us an insight
as to why he decided to write the book. Copies were available to
collect for those who had pre-ordered, and many bought their copy on
the night. [more]
Crofterra
Pandemonia 2015
If
you want to join this event now is the time to secure your
overnight accommodation at the start in Fort William and
overnight
in Oban. Highland Car Club have secured a number of rooms at hotels in
both towns. Act Now to get one [more]
Paisley
to be Monte 2015 Scottish Start
Paisley
Abbey is once again to be the start for the 2015 Monte Carlo Historique
Rally Scottish start. Even more activities are planned for the day and
evening send off starting at 7.00pm on Wednesday 28th January,Paisley
joins Barcelona, Copenhagen, Turin and Reims as host cities for the
start legs,
This year's rally will see rule changes meaning drivers
leaving Scotland will have an extra night's sleep on the 2,600km-trek
through the Channel Tunnel and over the Alps to the south of France.
Douglas Anderson, chair of the Rally Start Committee, said: "The rule
change is an endorsement of how much the French organisers value the
Scottish start and we are looking forward to another great event,
starting from Paisley Abbey.
Read more about the announcement HERE
Glencoe
Run - 12 October A
misty start soon melted away to a sunny drive for the 36 classics plus
a selection of more modern machinery, who set off from Dobbies at
Stirling heading toward Tyndrum. Organiser Alan Duncan had
to look twice as CCHMSC members Cristoph Kulli and co-driver Natlie
arrived from Dundee in a Jaguar C type. Another eye catcher was an RHD
DeLorean, one of just 40 RHDs out of
9,000 LHDs so very rare, to be joined by a 2nd LHD DeLorean.
A further 6 classics from Oban met the crews at Tyndrum, where they all
headed north to Glen Coe to the Kings House hotel finish,
stopping
for photos along the way. Best view was probably the car park
overlooking Loch Tulla.
Check out Alan's photos from the day HERE
Club
Triumph RBRR - 3 to 5 October
Some
106 starters departed
The Plough at Enfield at 1830 on Friday 3rd October for the 24th
running of the Round Britain Reliability Run, possibly one of the
longest endurance events across the UK organised by a Motorsport Club.
I met them at the Stirling Control on Saturday afternoon, on there way
back south from John O' Groats [full
story].
Great
Glen Rally - 28 September
The
heavy rain forecast for the Sunday passed over on the Saturday night so
the event enjoyed a some great 'highland' weather with blue skies and
the occasional burst of autumn sunshine. 20 cars
started at Fort
William looking forward to 10 tests along the 120 mile road route,
which included 2 regularity sections on way to the Aviemore finish. [Full Story]
Monte
2015 event meeting - 14 September
The
first meeting of interested parties wishing to enter the 2015 Monte
Carlo Historique Scottish start attracted a good number of crews who
have, or will soon be, entering this iconic event.
A
Heritage tour for enthusiasts to drive their classic and sporting cars
to Monaco, to complement the local Heritage runs as in previous years, was also discussed.
Plans are being drafted for all these events and a follow on meeting
will be held in the Blythswood Square Hotel on Sunday 9th November
You can download a copy of the latest newsletter HERE
Crofterra
Pandemonia - 6 & 7 September The
10th running of this event attracted over 50 crews to retrace
the
route of the original Crofterra back in 2005. Leaving Inverness we
headed south to the Garbole road once a special stage on the Scottish
Rally. The route west headed for Kyle of Lochalsh and for some a ferry
across the sea to Skye. The route round Skye took in some fantastic
scenery and views to take the breath away. On Sunday we headed back via
Bealach Na Ba and Applecross. 400 miles of great motoring made it once
again an event to remember from HCC. [Full story].
Kirkintilloch Canal Festival -
23 / 24 August
On Saturday 23rd we saw the Cup Cakes, Big
Vern ,and many more plus the fireworks at the Marina.
On
Sunday 24th some 20 Classics, mainly KDCVC, turned up at
Beaufort
Drive early on Sunday morning, Three of the Best were from Alex
McDougal a 1910 model T-Ford, a 20s Alvis and a 1928
Roller, .Around 2pm you could not get moving anywhere
in
Kirkintilloch. See Alan Duncan's photos HERE
Biggar Rally
- 17 August
The
day stayed mostly dry for the Biggar Rally, with the occasional burst
of sunshine. A great crowd as usual turned out to see the wide
selection of cars, commercials, military, buses, fire
engines, and farming machinery from acorss the border
counties and beyond. [more]
Drive
to Arisaig and Morar - 9 & 10 August
The
sun shone on the group that turned out for Alan Duncan's run to Arisaig
on 9th August. The group set off from Dobbies at Stirling on
the
road to Crianlarich, Glencoe, heading for the Corran ferry crossing,
and
the drive through Sunart and Moidart, before reaching Arisaig. [more]
Glamis Extravaganza - 12
& 13 July
The
threatened rain front had passed over during the night and the sun was
breaking through to make it a great day on Sunday 13th for the Glamis
event. The 20 classics displayed on the joint CCHMSC and Saltire Club
stand won 'Best Car Club Stand' as well, hence our Mexican wave
!
[Full story and pictures]
Classic
Autosports BBQ
- Saturday 12 July The
forecast wasn't too great but the inbound rain front from the west
never reached David
Barnett's Classic Autosports at Inverkeillor, just north of
Arbroath. The smell of fresh burgers on the BBQ and trimmings plus
plenty to drink is always welcome after a two hour drive. A great
turnout of folk from all over Scotland to enjoy the company and banter,
plus an opportunity to see some of the Classics work in
progress. [more]
SACC Appoints its First
President John
Cleland has been appointed the first President of the Scottish
Association of Car Clubs (SACC). The twice British Touring Car Champion
will assume his new role with immediate effect. [Full Story]
Erskine
Classic Show - 12 July Alan Duncan was at the Erskine hospital
Classic Car Show raising
cash for the war wounded, see link for photos, Photos
Yellow
lineup
Through
the looking glass
Run
to Inversnaid - 29 June
Alan
Duncan picked a great day with sunshine in abundance over Loch Lomond
and the Trossachs. Is it my eyes but is yellow the colour this year for
classics?
Always good to see the model T on these runs, joining the other top
down classic enthusiasts
A
great turnout to enjoy the drive with a visit to Loch Katrine as well.
See the full range of photos HERE.
June
Jaunt - 15 June What
to do on a Scottish Sunday in the middle of summer? Contrary
to
those who think Scottish summers are constantly wet, our crews were
welcomed by sunshine at the Clattering Bridge, near Fettercairn, for
breakfast, then off to visits for morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea,
and high tea, with many interesting stops on the way. [Full story]
Bridge
of Allan Show - 18 May
CCHMSC
member Alan Duncan joined crews from Capri Club Scotland,
classic
Mini , Ford, Jaguar and Riley owners, at the Bridge of Allan show which
attracted large crowds under the warm sunshine. You can see Alan's
photos of the day HERE
Grampian
Motor Show - 11 May CCHMSC
members from around Aberdeen brought their cars along to join
a
wide selection of motoring enthusiasts and one make clubs at the
Grampian Transport Museum's show in Alford on Sunday 11 May. Clubs from
across Scotland gathered in
the museum grounds. [more].
Dixon
Chases Tulips - 4 to 10 May CCHMSC
members Ian Dixon and Maurice Millar arrived in Noordwijk-aan-Zee in
the afternoon after a drive through heavy rain and strong
winds to complete their 2014 Tulpenrallye challenge. The
car has held up well. The rain and the worn rear tyres meant that the
going was slippy in places, especially on the karting circuit.
The
pair have concluded about 2,300 competitive miles since early last
Monday morning. The sun shone at the finish and Ian and Maurice
are putting on their kilts for the gala dinner. They won't be
troubling
the engravers, but both had a great time and enjoyed every
minute;
and met some friendly people along the way. [more] Read all about Ian's preparation here [more]
Tour
of the Kingdom - 6 April A
great turnout for this first tour into the Kingdom of Fife. Over 30
cars
and crews headed east from the start at Dunfermline towards the eastern
tip at St.Andrews, visiting some of the finest fishing villages on the
coast of the river Forth. Returning to the finish along the
south
banks of the river Tay completed the run of some 130 miles. Full
report and pictures now available [more]
Drive
It Day - 27 April
CCHMSC
members Dave Spence and Roddie Main in a 1958 Morris Minor
1000, Donald
and Margaret Campbell in their 1955 Sunbeam Mk3, and Charlie Donaldson
in his 1966
Ford Cortina Mk1, joined many others for the Highland Classic
Motor
Club’s Drive It Day event on Sunday 27th April. [more] Member
Joe Norman also organised a great drive it day across Argyll,
again under sun filled skies. Some 85 plus cars joined his
Strathendrick Rotary fund raising event. Check out photos taken by avid
photographer Alan Duncan here
Drive
It Day - 27 April
CCHMSC
members Dave Spence and Roddie Main in a 1958 Morris Minor
1000, Donald
and Margaret Campbell in their 1955 Sunbeam Mk3, and Charlie Donaldson
in his 1966
Ford Cortina Mk1, joined many others for the Highland Classic
Motor
Club’s Drive It Day event on Sunday 27th April. [more]
CCHMSC
AGM - 23 April A
good selection of members turned out for the club
AGM at the
Royal George Hotel in Perth on
the evening of Wednesday 23rd April. The
club president and treasurer reported the activities, financial and
membership situation, all of
which are healthy. The committee and principal office bearers
were
elected and the calendar for 2014 discussed.
Heritage
Ecosse to Monaco tour As
part of the Paisley Monte Carlo Historique start CCHMSC
ran a Heritage tour to Monaco for club members to experience a little
of the atmosphere of the main event without having the ordeal of the
competitive sections. Our good friend and club member Mike Kirk put
together a great and interesting route. Read Peter Bakers reports on
the trip. [more]
Paisley cheer
Monte Carlo starters - 23 January
The
people of Paisley
and Glasgow braved the tumbling temperatures to cheer the 70 starters
of the 2014 Monte Carlo Historique and Heritage Runs on Thursday 23rd
January from the front of Paisley Abbey. Paddy Hopkirk raised the flag
for each of the cars on the start ramp, with Rosemary Smith driving the
first car away, a Hillman Imp of course, Full supporting
entertainment with Radio Clyde and running commentary kept the crowd up
to date. [more]
Monte Pre
Gala dinner - 22 January
Around
50 classic crews, and enthusiasts welcomed Paddy Hopkirk and Rosemary
Smith as guests of honour at the pre-gala dinner in the Blyhswood Hotel
on the evening of Wednesday 22nd January. After a magnificant meal
Paddy and Rosemary gave us insight to rallying back in the fifties and
sixties. [more].
Monte
starters head for the hills - 21 Jan
Three of the 'Monte'
starters headed for the 'Paisley Alps for a photoshoot overlooking
Paisley and Glasgow. Paisley
is preparing to roll out the red carpet for some very special visitors
when one of world motorsport’s most glamorous events rolls
into town
tomorrow - Thursday 23rd. [more]
Monte Car at
Braehead - 18 January
The
Braehead Shopping Centre featured the Triumph Dolomite 135 of Jim
Wilson on the main shopping area, promoting the forthcoming Monte Carlo
Historique Glasgow Start on Thursday 23rd from Paisley Abbey. Brian
Telfer and Douglas Anderson from the orgasnising team were on hand to
answer questions and hand
out flyers telling shoppers about all the activities lined up this
coming week. [more]
Retro Speed
on Ecosse to Monaco Tour Peter
Baker, editor in chief of the on line historic motorsport magazine
www.retro-speed.co.uk will be joining the Ecosse to Monaco tour and
providing regular updates for readers during the event. Peter is no
stranger to historic motorsport competition, both race and rally,
including Monte Carlo Historique. We look forward to his reports.
[more]
Standard at
Blythswood - 9 January The
1958 Standard 10 car that will lead off the Monte Carlo Historique and
Heritage Run crews by
owner Jim Wilson, took
its place centre stage in the Blythswood Hotel where it will be on show
until the 23rd January start. Drop in for a view, or better still, see
it at the pre-gala dinner on the 22nd. [more]
News
from 2013
John O' Groats
Historique - 8 December After
a week of storms and snow, leading to road closures on the infamous
Cockbridge to Tomintoul road it was a real alpine challenge for the
hardy crews driving to Glasgow on Sunday 8 December. Snow
capped
mountains made everyone feel as if they were on the Monte already. [more]
Monte Carlo
Glasgow Start Press Launch Up to 100 classic cars
dating
back to the 1920s will assemble in Paisley town centre before setting
off for the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera. The event
– on the evening of 23 January 2014 – will see
Paisley as
one of five departure points, alongside Barcelona, Stockholm, Oslo and
Reims. [more]
Ecurie Ecosse
collection heads to USA All
eight cars in British connoisseur Dick Skipworth's collection from the
legendary Scottish team that won two consecutive Le Mans 24-Hour races
in 1956 and 1957, sold at Bonhams on 1st December for record prices.
Just as they did in the 1950s, four of the Ecurie Ecosse Jaguars raced
ahead of their rivals.
The team's 1952 Jaguar C-Type sold for no
less than £2,900,000, amid auction-room applause, while their
1956
Jaguar 'Shortnose' D-Type sold for £2,600,000. Both went to a
buyer in
the United States.. [more]
An evening with
Johnstone Syer - 6 November The
temperatures outside were dropping fast on Wednesday 6 November in
Perth, but inside the Royal George Hotel some 20 classic car
owners and enthusiasts gathered to hear the entertaining, often
amusing, stories of a life of rallying across many countries
around the globe in the sixties seventies and eighties. Johnstone Syer
has sat alongside many well known rally drivers of the period guiding
them on the right route to success. Read all about it here
David
Sharp Funeral - 21 November
The
Melrose crematorium was filled with motorsporting personalities from
across the country on Thursday 21st November for the celebration of
David Sharp's life. Some 200 attended with many standing in the small
crematorium, only recently opened this year. We
heard of David's active life involving cars, motorsport and his timing
expertise.
[more]
Arrochar Alps
Challenge - 26 October The
Arrochar Alps Challenge attracted a wide range of classics on Saturday
26th October. Starting from Arrochar the crews visited the Rest and be
Thankful hillclimb for a set of tests and a couple of runs up the
famous hillclimb route. An Arrochar Cup was awarded to the crew with
the least penalties. The tour took the cars over some of the remoter
roads around Arrochar before finishing at the Pit Stop for a well
earned finishers meal and presentations. [more] .
Glencoe Run -
Sunday 13 October
A
great sunny day for Kirkintilloch and District Classic Vehicle
Club's Glencoe Run, which attracted around 100 cars
from a selection of classics from
across Scotland and beyond. Departing from Stirling the route headed
north stopping at the favourite 'Green Welly' in Tyndrum for lunch.
Continued up
the A82 for a photo shoot at the top of Loch Tulla, see above, before
arriving at the final destination at Glen Coe’s
King’s House Hotel.
Trans Italia
Tour - 23 September to 6 October The
Trans Italia Tour was a non competitive tour across Europe to
Brescia where the crews followed the route of the 1955 Mille
Miglia, With a rest day in Rome to see the sights of the
Eternal City this tour had lots to see and do. You can read about the
tour here
and the Mille Miglia section here. For
the Nuit du Mentonnais click here
Scone Palace
Show - 8 September
Brilliant
weather, a great display of classic cars at the Scone Palace Farming
Yesteryear event. Many visitors showing an interest in classic motorsport visited the
CCHMSC club stand. Some
took up membership of the club so may see new metal and crews out on
future events. First prize for the best club stand too. [more]
Monte Holden
legend Tony Gaze Remembered Australia's
first international grand prix driver, Tony Gaze, who conquered the
gruelling 1953 Monte Carlo Rally with fellow greats Lex Davison and
Stan Jones died on July 29th at 93 years of age. A life as a WW2
Spitfire ace, and racing legend, Tony was the Patron of the 2013 trip
back in time, planning the blue print for the Holden replica car
building and watching every move the team made. [more]
Biggar Rally
- 11 August The
Biggar Rally and show near Edinburgh on 11th August boasted a
wide
selection of Classic vehicles. As well as classic cars there were
classic trucks, buses and vintage vehicles. A selection of 2, 3, 4 ,
and many wheeled vehicles covered the showground. [more]
The Great Glen
Rally - 21 July First
of the "Highland Treble", The Great Glen Rally on Sunday 21st. started
under blistering sunshine which lasted from Fort William through 13
tests to reach Inverness by the end of the day. The
100 mile plus route took the 24 entries through superb
scenery and great test venues, including some new sites never before
visited. Highland Car Club put on a great event where competitors had
to watch the temperatures of their cars as well as thermselves as
the sun beat relentlessly down on them. Click here for the full story
Summer Saunter
- 14 July The
sun shone for the Clubs first event, when 31 crews and cars arrived at
Deanston distillery for the start of the 2013 Summer Saunter. A route
of some 70 miles took a relaxed run up to Crianlarich and Tyndrum
before heading west to Dalmally and back south to Inverary Castle for
lunch. Organiser John Buchanan then declared his 'surprise' of a
'spirited' drive up Glen Shira after lunch. [more]
Classic
AutoSports BBQ - 13 July David
Barnett with son Gareth on the actual BBQ, put on a great afternoon and
evening on Saturday 13th July. It may have been 31 degrees at Heathrow
but the cool easterly on the Scottish coast kept it nice and cool for
the visitors.
A
wide selection of Jaguars, including XK and E Types along with other
favourites were being worked on for their owners. AC Cobra's, Ferrari's
and Triumph TR's filled the car park, and a 1930 Bentley Le Mans race
bodied car arrived too. [more]
After the 2013
International Autoecosse Having
completed the International Autoecosse without any major drama's Tim
and Susan Hunt decided to extend their stay north of the border to
retrace some of the sights seen on the Club Triumph Round Britain
Reliability Run earlier in the year. Here is Tims' story. [more]
International
Autoecosse & - 1 and 2 June Scotland
put on its best weather for the arrival of the 2013 International
Autoecosse starters. Starting with a set of sprecial tests at Dumfries
the crews made their way to Loch Lomond and on to Fort William. Even
the runners in the overnight Targa Bealach Na Ba had a mostly dry run,
with one crew keeping the top down all night. Sunday was wall to
wall sunshine. [full story]
Targa Bealach
Na Ba - 1 and 2 June A
total of 8 cars gathered at JJ’s café car park
just north of Fort
William to start the Regularity Rally, the Targa Bealach na Ba. Some
had completed the “concentration runs”, 2 crews
from Inverness and 3
crews from Stirling. The remainder started the event from Fort William
itself, 2 of those being brave souls who had already
completed day one
of the Autoecosse! [more]
European Healey
Tour - 28 May Each
year the Austin Healey Club organise a European tour, and this
time the
Swiss Club decided to bring the tour to Scotland. On Tuesday
28th of
May they organised what they called The Swiss Scottish Alpine Rally,
which included a visit to the Rest and be Thankful hillclimb, on their
way to Inverary Castle. [more]
Monte
Historique Winner does it again - 5 May Last
time we saw Craig Lowndes with a big smile was driving the Glasgow Start 1951 Holden
48-215(FX)
to win the oldest car to finish trophy at the Monte Carlo Historique
rallly back in February. Well he smiles again in a Holden, this time a
full throttle V8 version to notch up his 91st race win. The 38 year old
Lowndes scored an emphatic win over four-time champion Jamie Whincup to
become the most successful driver in the history of Australian V8
Supercars. You just can't keep a great driver down. [more]
Run to
Inversnaid - 28 April A
great turnout for the Alan Duncan run to Inversnaid for the
Kirkintilloch and District Classic Car Club maiden outing on Sunday
28th.
Starting from the Stables just north of Kirkintilloch the crews made
for Aberfoyle where yet more classic owners were waiting to join. The
route headed up the B829 to reach Loch Katrine for a coffee break.
Single road due west toward Loch Lomond followed, passing Loch Arklet
on the way. A few showers but the sun did appear, making a great first
outing for the new Kirkintilloch club. You can see a
selection of
the
cars here. The website
forum here
Drive It Day -
Highland Style - 21 April Some
of the club members resident in the Highlands were unable to
join
the Strathendrick
run, however CCHMSC members Dave Spence, Roddie Main together
with Donald and
Margaret Campbell joined up with the Highland Classic Motor
Club on their run round Loch Ness. Read all about their day
out here
Strathendrick
Drive It Day - Sunday 21 April The
forecast was wet, and so it was for the start of the Strathendrick
Charity tour. However it did not dampen the spirits of the 80 starters
who were rewarded with some blue sky as the day proceeded on the run
over to Knockhill. The 120 mile route started at the Beech
Tree
Inn, Dumgoyne, by Killearn, over the Campsies, across to Fife with
lunch at Kinnairds Restaurant, Knockhill and returning through
Perthshire and finishing back at Culcreuch Castle, Fintry for High Tea
and Awards. Checkout Alan Duncan's photo album of the day here
Argyll
Classic Run - 7 April A
full entry of 50 classic and sporting cars started the
Argyll Classic Run at Lomond Shores on Sunday 7 April. The 130 mile
route took the crews over the newly resurfaced Rest and be Thankful
hillclimb, the first classic event to drive the old hillclimb since the
work was completed. For full story and pictures click here
Annual General
Meeting - 20 March The
AGM on Wednesday 20 March was well attended by members from across
Scotland. Reports were received from the Club President, and the Report
and Accounts for the past year presented. The new
committee was
elected, along with the main office bearers. A review of the 2013
calendar completed the meeting. [more]
See the new committee for 2013 here
Argyll Classic
Run to visit Rest and be Thankful The
Argyll Classic Run will visit the recently refurbished Rest and be
Thankful hillclimb road in Glen Croe. Douglas Anderson and Jim Paterson
visited the resurfaced and greatly improved road on Saturday March 9th,
driving the climb in Douglas's Triumph Vitesse. [more]
Aussies arrive
home with trophy Returning
to shorts and T shirts for the Australian summer is a long way from the
freezing cold and snow of the alps on the Monte Carlo
Historique. Project
leader and crew member Gary Poole
is taking it easy at home in a sunny Derrinallum, around 180Km to the
west
of Melbourne (that's around 110 miles to us here in the UK), and
sent this article from his local newspaper, and an update on
the trip
back
from Monaco. [more]
Aussies win
Prize at Monte Carlo After
a challenging drive to Monte with no less than 4 wheel bearing
replacements, the 1948 Australian Holden entry crewed by Craig Lowndes,
Richard Davison, and Gary Poole collected the trophy for the oldest car
to finish the rally in 2013. A well deserved award for a great team who
showed true "Aussie" spirit to overcome all the obstacles they
encountered. See the Run to Monte and Glasgow Start stories below for
more
Monte
Carlo Rally Historique - Run to Monte After
the big send off from Glasgow the Monte Carlo Historique cars headed
for the first welcome point at the Auldgirth Inn near Dumfries. Along
with the Historique crews were the CCHMSC Ecosse to Monaco tour entries
who followed a separate route to Monaco, non
competitively,
unlike the Historique crews
who had only one nights sleep on the way to Monte Carlo.Read of the
challenges the crews had to face, and the ingenuity to overcome them,
to taste the victory in Monaco [more]
Monte Carlo
Historique Rally Start - 26 January Under
a bright sunlit sky the 90 plus starters for the 2013 Rallye Monte
Carlo Historique set off from Glasgow on their 200 mile journey. Lord
Provost Sadie Docherty flagged off the starters, with a special 'flag'
to Tommy Bryce who competed in the 1954 event and led off the starters
in his Citreon. The official opening car was the Triumph Vitesse of
Coordinator and CCHMSC member Douglas Anderson. The cars began their
trip at 2.00pm, departing at 1 minute intervals. The team from
Australia in their 1948 Holden FX and a 1979 Holden Commodore were
celebrating the 60th anniversary of their 1953 entry. [More]
Capri
Club Scotland entered two cars,a Laser and 2.8i on
the
Ecosse - Monaco Heritage Run, and made it all the way to Monte over
some of the snow covered alps. Check their web and blog with photos here
Monte
Carlo Rally Glasgow Start Gala Dinner The
gala dinner was held at the Blythswood Hotel on Friday 25
January. The
guest speakers were the
Bathurst and Touring Car Champion of Australia, Craig Lowndes and
members of his team. Craig is driving the 1953 Holden in the main
event, celebrating the cars 60th Monte Carlo Rally
anniversary, along with Richard Davison, son of Lex Davison who drove
the 1953 holden FX, and Gary Poole who managed the project build of the
car.
Watch Craig Lowndes after dinner speech here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-xEoQAbHjM
Douglas moves
his car out of Hotel Monte
Carlo Historique Glasgow Start Coordinator Douglas Anderson moved his
Triumph Vitesse out of the Blythswood Hotel where itt has been
promoting the event in the foyer. The fully prepared car will be making
its way to Dover as the opening car for the event, before making its
way to Monaco as part of the CCHMSC Heritage Ecosse to Monaco event.
Check the link for more photos of the 'removal. around
midnight on
Wednesday 23rd January. See Douglas and the car at Buchanan
Street with the other historique entries, from 10.00am to 12 noon, and
People's Palace on Saturday 26th for the big start event at 2.00pm
[more]
Ralph tells us
what the Monte is all about Club
member and Monte Carlo Rally veteran Ralph
takes Peter Ross of
Scotland on Sunday for a spin around the borders and tells him what
driving the Monte Carlo Rally is really like. “Imagine the
roads
all white,” says Ralph, full of glee, “snow and ice
everywhere, and the car sliding round the corners. Now imagine that for
3,600 miles over the worst roads you can find. That’s when
you
really know you’re driving.” You
can read the full article on line here
Monte Carlo
Historique Rally Start - 26 January Everything
is ready for the big day on Saturday 26th.Glasgow
is the place to be to see the 2013 Glagow start of the Rallye Monte
Carlo Historique.
The
day starts at Buchanan Street Precinct where the Historique cars plus a
few other interesting vehicles will be on display from 10.00am until
noon. The cars will then join over 70 other rally cars at the People's
Palace in Glasgow Green. Around a 100 cars in total will be on display
before the start at 2.00pm when the first car will depart over the
start ramp.
Join us for a great spectacle at the People's
Palace to see the cars before, and depart on their way. A range of
entertainment is being arranged for the run up to the start.
A
free brochure with details of all the entries, and information about
some of the more exotic entries, e.g. the two Holdens all the way from
Australia will be available. Checkout the entry list to see
the
range of cars lining up. [Entry
List]
News
from 2012
Monte
Carlo Rally Glasgow Start - Press Launch The
world's Press
and Television turned out to Glasgow's People's Palace on Thursday 20th
December 2012 and were
greeted with typical Monte Carlo Rally, weather, wet,
windy, and cold.
Not quite cold enough for snow but not far away. Douglas
Anderson of CCHMSC, Tommy Bryce, Monte entrant in the 1954 event, Jimmy
McRae of world rallying fame, and Scott Taylor from the Glasgow
marketing bureau gave the press an insight for
the 2013 Glasgow start event. [more]
Classic
High Tea Members
from all parts of Scotland, the North East, highlands, Central belt,
the west and the borders made their way to Perth for the annual high
teat celebration at the end of another years fine classic motoring. The
weather may have been cold but the snow of earlier in the week had gone
and the sun shone for the journey to Perth. Twentythree of us sat down
to a great selection of main courses followed by the traditional
scones, and this year cream meringues. Christmas crackers brought the
festive feeling as we talked about the years adventures and what is
planned for 2013. Checkout the events
for a look at what is on offer
Circuit
of the North - 27 and 28 October The weather was kinder than originally
forecast and the entrants enjoyed the two day event which
included the great driving roads of the North of
Scotland. The first leg was from Scone Palace, Perth to
Whitebridge, Inverness-shire. The overnight halt was at
Grantown
on Spey. The second leg re-start was at Alford and the finish
was
at Scone Palace, Perth. [more]
Deanston
Autumn Amble - 7 October The
Deanston Malt Scotch Whisky Annual Autumn Amble hosted by the Friends
of The Rest held on Sunday 7th of October 2012 started from the visitor
centre at Deanston Distillery, Deanston, Near Doune. The FUN run of
some 70 miles stopped for lunch at Inveraray Castle Tea Room (See
photo). After lunch an optional one mile “hill
climb” took
place by Inveraray Estates, extending to about 8 miles. Alan Duncan
took a great selection of photos of the day which you can view here. For more on the
Friends of the Rest click here
Kinghouse
Run Glencoe - 14 October A
wet start to the morning may have put some people off as only 34 cars
turned out for this years annual run to Glencoe. However by
10am
the sun had appeared at Stirling and the crews all set off to dry roads.
Turning
up at Tyndrum at 1130 we could not believe Alex McDougall had got there
before us in his Model T all the way from Glasgow. A few of us stopped
at the few points for photos and a chat etc, before heading to the
Kingshouse for lunch.
Though the lowest turnout in
the 6 years
that Alan Duncan has organised the event, it has been the first dry run
with the sun peeking out now and again, making it the most enjoyable
yet. For full story and photos Click Here
Crofterra
Pandemonia - 1 & 2 September Wild
weather and rolling seas could not stop this years entries for the
annual Highland Car Club "Crofterra" from having a great time. Even Tom
and Chris Rae in their open top 3 wheel Pembleton Grasshopper survived.
Read about the various crews adventures and how they overcame adversity
to reach the finish. [more]
Kirkintilloch
Canal Festival - 26 August A
great selection of classics turned out for the Festival. My personal
favourite is the pink Cadillac. Now how about that on the Crofterra on
single track highland roads with passing places :-). Check out some of
the
photos from Alan Duncan [here]
Classic
Autosports BBQ
- Saturday 7 July
Amid one
of the biggest downpours across the central belt of Scotland this
summer, David
Barnett of Classic Autosports managed once again to put on his
annual BBQ. The Classic
Car owners and enthusiasts who managed through were rewarded with a BBQ
supper and the banter
amongst
like minded
classic car enthusiasts.
International
Autoecosse - 2 and 3 June 39
starters took to the first of a series of special tests at Longtown
before setting off on a 2 day tour of the Scottish borders and Fife,
joining the Queens Jubilee weekend of celbrations .
The sun came out making the visits to special test sites even more fun
.Clark Dawson and Rob Dixon gave no quarter to their little Imp,
overcoming all the odd noises to make the fastest time on the special
tests. Well done to crew and car. [more]
Tour
O' the
Cairns - 5 May
Over thirty classic cars of
all shapes and sizes lined up in Edzell on a sunny if rather chilly
morning for the Tour of the Cairns. The route covered some 100
miles taking in interesting
and scenic traffic free roads. Everyone agreed that it was a good
route, interesting challenge, great High Tea and excellent company. [more]
Drive It
Day - 22 April
Car
Clubs the length &
breadth of Scotland took to the roads again for Drive it Day, some
doing over 300 miles from 8am till 7pm. in the sun, with just a few
clouds mid day.The SDCCC. www.sdccc.co.uk/
started at Dobbies Garden Centre Stirling at 9.30am and headed towards
Loch lomond, driving up the west banks, then over the hills to Arrochar
and round Loch Long, then up the " Rest & be Thankful" www.friendsoftherest.co.uk/.
The Strathendrick Car Club had 70 Classics this year, starting at the
Beach Tree Inn and ending later in the afternoon at Culcreuch Castle
Fintry. See Alan Duncans photos of the event here
Rally Costa Brava - 12 to 15 April Club
member John Stuart headed for Spain for the Rally Costa Brava in his
1959 Austin A40. With Maurice Millar navigating in the left seat the
crew were hoping to repeat success in the event in 2011 and 2010.
However the organisers had mde it a bit tougher this year and
the
52 year old A40 had to work hard. [more]
Annual
General Meeting- 29 February 2012 The
CCHMSC Annual General Meeting was held in the Royal George Hotel
Perth on Wednesday 29th February. The
clubs organisation,
finances, and membeship are all in a healthy position.The Principal
posts of President, Secretary and Treasurer were filled and the new
2012 club commmittee appointed. [more]
Clydebank Monte
Carlo
Rally Start - 29 January Some
100 cars lined up at Clydebank college on Sunday afternoon , and
together with Celtic Spirit and the Cup Cake dancers entertained the
several thousand spectators who turned out for the Monte Carlo
Clydebank start.
With a reported 8000 spectators
at the Clydebank Start, Rally Coordinator Douglas Anderson and Tom
Dromgoole were flagged of by Provost Denis Agnew over the ramp on their
way to Monte Carlo at 5.24pm followed by the rest of the Monte
competitors.
Around 55 CCHMSC entrants
for the Blythswood Heritage Run followed the Monte cars over the ramp
with some heading for Dumfries and others to Drymen.
The
Monte Show attracted a wide range of Classic cars from the 1930's
through to the 1980's.
Read all about the start,
see photos, and check out the video links for a glimpse of all the
action here
Monte 2012 Gala
Dinner - 28 January To
celebrate the Monte start on Sunday 29th a pre start gala dinner was
held in the Beardmore Hotel Clydebank. Drinks reception and dinner
with one of the Autombile Club of Monaco as the after dinner speaker,
All the Monte competitors were there relaxing before the big
start on Sunday 29th at Clydebank college.
News
from 2011
Classic High
Tea - 11 Dec Over
twenty members turned out for the Classic High Tea in Perth on Sunday
11th December. Many a tall story was told, and tales of events over the
past year recounted as we sat around a log fire in the lounge of the
Royal George Hotel. [more]
Monte
2012 Press Launch - 7 December
The
Scottish Start for the Monte on 29 January 2012 will be Clydebank,
Announced at the press launch on 7 December at the Beardmore Hotel
Clydebank the Monte will start from the All new Clydebank
College on
the banks of the Clyde. Beside the College bus terminal there will be a
show of around 100 Pre 1980 Classic cars that would have taken part in
past Monte Carlo Rallies, [more]
Trans
Alpina 2011 - 4 to 14 October
Over
3000 miles across 18 Cols totaling some 120000 feet of climb. This was
Trans Alpina 2011. Seven crews drove some of the highest peaks in the
Alps crossing more than six countries. Read the full
story of our epic tour [more]
An
evening with Erik Carlsson and Stuart Turner
A
full house welcomed Stuart Tuner for the evening woth Erik Carlsson and
Stuart Turner on Thursday 29th September. Unfortunately Erik was to ill
to attend but Douglas Anderson and Jim Paterson hot footed down Eriks'
home and carried out a video interview. A full house crowd of over 60
people attended the evening. [more]
La
Crofterra Pandemonia - 10/11 Sep
Hot
rods to hot hatches, Mini's to Moggie, Peugeot to Porsches,
and
Sunbeam to Sprite plus many more turned out for the 2011 Crofterra.
With Hurricane Katia forecast to hit Scotland over the weekend it
looked like a wet one. But the luck of the highlanders shone through,
as did the sunshine which allowed the Sprite crew to keep the top down
for most of the two day tour. Now with full photo link. [more].
Scottish
Mountain Challenge - 28 Aug
The
Scottish Mountain Challenge attracted over 30 entries to this cross
between a Tour and a
Rally. The format goes back to the early days of Motorsport
with
the emphasis on endurance and reliability over challenging
roads. A route of some 200 miles crossed some of
Scotlands
high passes and through tranquil Glens. [more]
Three
Lochs Classic
The
annual RSAC Three Lochs Classic started and finished at the Royal
Northern and Clyde Yacht Club at Rhu, including a Concours
d’Elegance, on Saturday 6th August 2011. A
“wee” route of around 35 miles suitable for cars in
the
Veteran class and
any others whose drivers prefered it, and a
“big” route of around 65 miles for everybody else.
See a
selection of photos here
It's
back in 2012
Within
weeks of the finish of the Monte, Douglas Anderson received an
email from the
Automobile Club de Monaco asking if he would again co-ordinate the 2012
Glasgow Start on Sunday 29 January 2012. To be asked again,
without hesitation, is a credit to all those who helped out on the 2011
event. So, due to the success of the 2011 team, they
will be doing it all again
next
year. [more]
Duncan
Laing
It
was with great sadness when we heard of the death of one or our most
respected club members, Duncan Laing on 25 October 2011.
Duncan
was an active participant and great fan of motor sport, but some of you
may not realise that he made a massive contribution to the automotive
industry. Among other things, he worked as a development
engineer
at Jowett and was responsible for the development of today’s
superchargers. [more]
Deeside
Way - 30 July Saturday
30 July saw 26 crews set out from Fourmile House, Aberdeen for a Tour
through the magnificent Deeside countryside. The route took
in
some little used roads which even some of the locals said they had not
been on for years. The navigators were kept busy on the
road looking out for the route checks for the first part of
the
Navigator’s Challenge. [more]
Classic
Autosports BBQ - 9 July Dave
Barnett's Classic Autosports annual barbeque went off well
despite
some manic weather on the 9th of July. I had planned to take the Healey
up to the workshop but some of
the rain showesr were more like
Malaysian monsoons with the occasional Dehli deluge thrown in. I took
the Audi A3 and managed quite a few aquaplanes on flooded road
sections. But it was all worth it [more]
Glamis
Extravaganza - 9 and 10 July
The
annual pigrimage to Glamis castle for the Strathmore Vintage Vehicle
Club event was a bit damp under foot on the Sturday, but Alan Duncan
found the sunshine on the Sunday to capture a selectino of the many
cars that braved the elements. See his photos here
International
Auto Ecosse - 4 & 5 June
Helm
family took the top prizes after this years 370 mile tour of Scotland,
with tests at Kames, Loch Lomond and Rothesay Esplanade on the Isle of
Bute. Mike and Gillian Helm,
winners of last years event, gave way to sons Matthew and Nathan for th
etop prize, but mum and dad picked up a class prize to take home. A run
up the Rest and be Thankful hillclimb in Glen Croe was also a new
experience for many. The
event also attracted a number of ex works cars [more]
Berwick
Classic - 1 May
Archie
and Richard Simmonds clocked up another convincing win in the Midget on
the recent Berwick Classic thirty eight seconds ahead of the RS2000 of
Stuart & Linda Cariss. Third only four seconds in arrears were
the Willie Thompson Jnr and William Thompson Snr in their Hillman
Avenger. [more]
Rally
Costa Brava
John
Stuart took his Austin A40 once again to challenge the Rally Costa
Brava which took place from 31 March to 3 April. With Maurice Millar in
the navigators seat, the pair hoped to repeat their success on the 2010
event, but troubles started before they got to the start line. Full
story and pictures soon. [more]
AGM - 20
April
The
Clubs Annual General Meeting was held in the Royal George Hotel on
April 20th. A number of members were welcomed, and elected the new
principal office bearers, and committee
members. Douglas Anderson stood down as the Club President, but was
re-elected to the committee. Jim Paterson was elected to take on the
role of President. John Stuart takes over the role of Treasurer while
June Anderson remains as Secretary. The Club is in a healthy position,
helping to keep Classic Motorsport alive [more]
Rest and
be Thankful Film Shoot
The
sun shone for the film shoot on Saturday 9th April at the Rest and be
Thankful in Argyll. Film Company 55 Degrees spent the day filming a
selection of cars from numerous angles, and interviewed local
resident Heather MacTavish who has lived in the area for her
70
years, as part of the new Glasgow Riverside Museum videos to go with
the Rest and be Thankful display. The museum opens mid June. You can
see the result then. A big thanks to those who turned out with their
cars, ranging from a 1910 Model T, and a 1924 Bugatti Type 14 to more
recent Classics of the sixties and seventies. [more]
Argyll
Classic - 27 March The
first day of Spring had officially arrived, and it certainly visited
the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll on Sunday 27th March to welcome the 34
starters to the Argyll Classic Run. When the weather is good in Argyll
you get to see some of Scotland's finest scenery, [more]
Rally
School - 27 February
A bright
sunny day greeted the 24 students to the 2011 Rally School at the
Aboukir Hotel in Carnoustie. Maurice Millar ran an introduction
to Navigational Rallying, from how the sport is administered,
and understanding the various bodies and regulations, through to map
reading, how to decipher clues, and timekeeping on
regularities etc. The event was followed by a practice event
on a 50 mile non competitive route round Carnoustie. A high tea
finished off the day and allowed a bit of feedback to the organisers.
[more]
The
Evolution of Rallying - 50 Years Sideways
If
you haven't seen this 90 minute documentary film featuring many of the
sport's greatest drivers, such as: Markku Alen, Hannu Mikkola, Roger
Clark, Walter Rohrl, and many more, then now is your chance.
Available on You Tube this Helmut Deimel film contains footage from
five decades of rallying to 2001 when the film was made. This
is a feast for the rally enthusiast, exotic cars, places, people from
the golden age of rallying. Outstanding photography will have
you
rooted to the screen until the
final credits. [more]
Monte
Carlo Glasgow Start - 27
January 2000
miles from Glasgow to Monte Carlo, over snow swept summits in the
Alps. This was the challenge for the CCHMSC crews, with Douglas
Anderson and Jim Pateron in Douglas's 1961 Triumph Herald Coupe. Read
how Douglas's dream of bringing the Monte back to Glasgow came true,
and the antics of their trip to Monte Carlo through freezing weather
and snow storms, on this the 100th anniversary of the worlds oldest
rally that everyone knows of - The Monte Carlo Rallye Now
includes the time in Monte and the trip home. [more]
Glasgow
Motorsport Show The
Glasgow Motorsport Show took place on Thursday 27th January in
Glasgow's George Square. Starting at 9.00am the show had displays
from a variety of Companies associated with motoring and motorsport.
The
show also had the full 49 car line-up of Monte Carlo
Historique
Rally entries as part of the Parc Fermé, so you could see at
close
quarters these fantastic Classic cars. [more]
News from 2010
High
Tea Christmas Celebration - 12 December 2010 Fourteen
members attended the CCHMSC High Tea at the Royal Hotel in Perth on
Sunday 12th December 2010. With crews from Aberdeen, Inverness, Central
belt and Borders, the club covered most of the spots across Scotland. [more]
Monte
Carlo - Glasgow Press Launch Press
and television descended on the Blytheswood Square Hotel on Tuesday
19th October for the formal launch of Glasgow as a start venue for the
Monte Carlo Historique Rally on the 27th January 2011.
Launched
in the former premises of the Royal Scottish Automobile
Club, CCHMSC joined
forces with the RSAC and the Glasgow Events team to announce the
programme of events. [more]
Proposed
Changes to Historic Road Rallying The
MSA Rallies Committee has proposed changes to the regulations relating
to Regularity Sections from January 2012. These have been put out for
consultation via the MSA website. As proposed, these affect
the
running of regularity sections both on and off the public highway. [more]
La
Carrera Trophy Challenge - 5 to 7 November The
organisers of La Carrera Trophy Challenge have found themselves in the
position where they have been forced to re-schedule this innovative
event for various reasons. Unfortunately the next free date in
the
rally calendar is late 2012 as next year's calendar is already
full. The 2012 La Carrera will be co-promoted with a
well-established National Club. Those who have
entered will
have their cheques for the entry fee returned. [more]
Argyll
Classic Car Run - Sunday 12 September Twentynine
entries turned out for what was a great run through the Trossachs and a
visit to the Rest and be Thankful. A change of start venue to
Boness, to coincide with the Boness Hillclimb weekend provided a bit of
variety for those who are regulars to the "Argyll". Good weather
favoured the crews, even on the Rest, before reaching the end at
Arrochar. [more].
La
Crofterra Pandemonia
Pitlochry
was the new start venue for the 2010 Crofterra. 44 starters lined up at
the Festival theatre for a trip to Inverary, with a chance to have a
run on the Rest and be Thanksful on the way. A visit to
Inverary castle for
a photoshoot on the Sunday preceeded heading up to Oban, Fort
William, Spean Bridge and east to Grantown-on-Spey
Motor Mania, and the finish at the traditional Fairways. [more].
Deeside
Way - Saturday 31 July
With Video Feature Twenty
six entries took to the roads of Royal
Deeside for a tour that took us from the Four Miles House start in
Aberdeen round by Stonehaven, before heading over to Banchory toward
the
lunchtime halt at the Grampian Motor Museum in Alford for a series of
tests. Shortest route back to the finish at Edzell was the next
challenge. [more]
Glasgow
Start for Monte Carlo
Historique - 2011 It has taken a bit of time and
effort, but the
good news is that the Start of the Monte Carlo Historique Rally is
coming back to
Scotland. Douglas Anderson has managed to fulfill his
ambition and has confirmation from Michel
Ferry of the Automobile Club de Monaco. Yes, the magic of the Monte is
coming back to Blythswood
Square on 27 January 2011 [more]
Barbecue
Weekend at Classic Autosports - 10 July
David
Barnett hosted his annual
BBQ at his Classic Autosports restoration centre at Inverkeilor, near
Arbroath, on Saturday 10 July. The
tables were heaving with goodies to eat, including the hot delicacies
from
the barbecue grill, and plenty to drink as well. [more]
HRCR
Thistle Rallye - 19 June
Dan and Neil McIntosh organised
their Thistle Rallye
starting at Knockhill with a regularity on the circuit and three tests;
and all this before breakfast. The entry of 21 cars was in for a great
event of tests and regularities, heading for lunch at Scone Palace,
then on to the finish at Blair Athol. [more]
Porter's
Porches Stobs
Classic 2010
CCHMSC
members Archie
and Richard Simmonds returned to defend their title on the 2010 Porters
Porches Stobs Classic 2010 on Sunday 13th June. 27
starters lined up at Stobs Camp near Hawick for 16 tests across the
former world war one army camp. Whilst the leaderboard changed
occasionally, it
was to be the Simmonds day again. Even the Grand
Finale test, a set of four tests joined together, was won by
the pair after the Escort RS crew who were 9 seconds ahead, hit a cone
incurring a 10 seconds penalty. A round in the Macmillan series, the
raffle raised £200. Read more at the HBCC website
[more]
International
Autoecosse - 5 & 6 June - With Video Crews
for the 2010 event lined up at the Welcome Services in Gretna
Green to be flagged of by Welcome Breaks Duty Manager Ruth Green. The
two day tour to Inverness covered some 400 miles on many of Scotland's
most scenic roads. The tour visited famous Scottish motosporting
sites, Kames Race circuit, Forrestburn hillclimb, and the
hillclimb at the Rest and be Thankful in Glen Croe. We also visited
Inverary Castle on our final leg to Inverness. [Full Story]
Bridget
the Midget
On
Sunday 9th May Jim Paterson went to the Hillcroft Hotel in Whitburn to
hear the Roy Locock presentation of his single handed 39000 mile round
the
world
trip in a 1977 MG Midget. Roy and the car are on a round
Britain tour
presenting to clubs and enthusiasts. His trip, and tour, is raising
money for Unicef [more]
VII
Rally Costa Brava Historic 2010
CCHMSC
was represented in the awards at the end of the latest Rally Costa
Brava Historic (11-13 March 2010). John Stuart and Maurice Millar were
pleased to win the class for cars from 1946 to 1960 in John’s
Austin A40 Farina (1959). Some 13 crews were attracted from the UK
under the banner of HRCR. [more]
Flying
Scotsman - 12 to 14 March 2010 - With
Video The
second
running of this endurance event
starting at Brooklands and finishing in Edinburgh,
attracted 48 starters. With the exception of the Filip Bourgoo 1949
Bentley Special, all cars were pre second world war, and in
some cases first, with Robert Abrey's 1913 Chalmers 10 approaching its
100th birthday, all 7.5 litres of it.
I caught up with the crews at the Gordon Arms, and at the finish [more]
CCHMSC
Annual General Meeting
- 3 March
The
CCHMSC AGM was held on 3 March at the Royal Hotel in Perth. The
committee was re-elected, with two new faces, John Stuart from
Galashiels, and Dave Spence from Inverness joining. The new members
bring with them a wide knowledge of both rallying, and an in
depth knowledge of their home areas, most useful in designing exciting
and challenging events for the Classic motor sport enthusiast.
Rally
and Drive Scotland Launches 2010 Website
The 2010
website is
now on-line with an even bigger selection of events for the Classic Car
owner / enthusiast. This year, as well as promoting Historic Rallies
and Classic events, Rally and Drive Scotland are encouraging
competitors who do Historic Rallies to try their hand at Stage Events.
In 2010 the Dunfermline CC and the South of Scotland CC are opening
their events to Historics. These are single venue events, so the costs
should be kept to a minimum while giving you a taste of the real thing.
[more]
Great
North Winter Challenge - CANCELLED Extreme
snow and ice weather conditions in the north of Scotland, which show no
signs of abating, have led the organisers to decide to cancel the GNWC
Rally, due to run 22 - 24 January, on both access and safety grounds.
Our
apologies to all who were looking forward to the event, but safety must
take priority, and with the forecast for more snow and continued low
temperatures, we hope you agree that we have made the right decision. [more]
Rally School Perth - Sunday 3 January
Twenty
hardy drivers
and navigators fought through challenging winter driving conditions to
a snowy Perth to take part in the 2nd Annual New Year Rally School.
Among the ‘weel kent faces’ who squeezed into the
meeting room at the Isle of Skye Hotel, were some newcomers to Classic
Rallying, all keen to figure out the mysteries of rally navigation.
Club committee member and presenter Maurice Millar was nursing a chest
infection and lost his voice, so at short notice Jim Reid and Ian Rae
of the 55 Car club stepped in delivering a first class course on the
basics of navigational rallying drawing on their vast experiences.
News
from 2009
LeJoggers
catch breath at South Queensferry A
total of fortytwo crews set off from Land's End on the 5th December
to challenge the HERO
organised LeJog (Lands End - John O' Groats) Classic Car rally. The
rally is a true test of endurance with only one night to sleep in a
three day event. I met up with them at their one hour rest halt at
South Queensferry. [more]
Click
for larger view
Trans
Alpina - 4 to 11 October Take
five Classics to Monte Carlo up and down the cols on the 1964 Monte
Carlo Rally route, then join the Menton car club and thrash back up
1750 metres to the top of the Turini in a thunderstorm. That was Trans
Alpina 2009. [more]
La Crofterra Pademonia - 26 &
27 September For the
second year running, Jim
Paterson and Douglas
Anderson headed north to Inverness to join the 5th
Anniversary La Crofterra Pandemonia. Revisiting the first 2005 event,
the tour took the fifty entries over traffic free highland roads to
Kyle of Lochalsh and across the bridge to Skye. In keeping with its
reputation, Skye managed a good supply of the wet stuff as we toured
round the island before taking the boat over the sea, not to Skye, but
back to the mainland, and back to Inverness. [more]
International
Autoecosse Rally - 19 September Sixty
eight Classic Cars and crews turned out for the inaugural running
of the International Autoecosse Rally on Saturday 19th September. With
crews from the continent joining some of the regular CCHMSC crews, we
headed for a series of four tests and seven regularities on a
tour round the western areas of Scotland. Joe Norman and Doug Ashworth
won the Historics in Joes mini, and Grainger and David Robertson took
the Moderns prize. [more].
The
Lykamobile Steam Car Challenge - 4 August
The Lykamobile Steam Car Challenge from John
O'Groats to Landsend stopped off on Tuesday 4 August on the esplanade
at South Queensferry. Jim Paterson met the crew to see how their
journey was progressing. On Wednesday 5 August they were at Jedburgh
Abbey Car Park.. The Steam Car Challenge is supporting Hearing Dogs for
Deaf People. See the report and video on CCHMSC website [more]
Deeside
Way - 1 August The
heavy rain showers at the start of the 2009 event abated for the 35
starters of this years Deeside Way tour starting at Kingswells in
Aberdeen. Heading west toward Alford the rain stopped, and occasionally
we could see sunshine breaking through the grey clouds, but mostly
tantalisingly off route. Twentyfive competitors joined the Alford
Grampian Museum for a PCT. [more]
Stobs Classic - 14 June
Archie and Richard Simmonds secured their Stobs
Classic crown at the Hawick and Border Car Club event on Sunday 14
June. Twentynine starters competed 17 tests round this wartime army
camp site. Full story and results at the HBCC
website
Scottish
Clubs Motorsport Show CCHMSC
took up a stand at the Scottish Clubs Motorsport Show in Perth
on Sunday 17 May. Securing a position right at the entrance, together
with a terrific selection of top classic cars ensured the club
attracted enthusiasts, young and old as they entered. [more]
Flying
Scotsman - 29th March While
most of us were having
fun on the Argyll Classic Car Run the sun was also shining on the
Flying Scotsman crews as they crossed the border into Scotland on their
third day of the trip from Brooklands to Edinburgh. Club Member Maurice
Millar was manning a checkpoint at Selkirk and Hawick and Border Car
Club ran a time trial at Stobs Camp near Hawick. [more]
Argyll
Classic Car Run - 29 March.
The third running of the Argyll Classic Car Run,
sponsored by Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and supported by
West Dunbartonshire Council attracted 58 starters. Two routes were
offered this year, a short tour round the perimeter of the Park for the
more fragile cars, and a longer route to the second of Scotland's
National Parks, the Cairngorms National Park [more]
CCHMSC
Annual General Meeting - 19 March
The AGM took place at the Royal George Hotel in Perth and was well
attended by members and committee. The various reports were received
and the Accounts accepted. The new committee was elected, remaining as
in the previous year with the exception that the Treasurer role was
transferred from Jim Paterson to June Anderson.
Great
North Winter Challenge & 60th Anniversary
Some
70 Classic cars from the
fifties to the eighties turned out on Friday 23rd January at the
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum for the 60th anniversary celebration
of the Glasgow Monte Carlo Rally post war re-start in 1949. The Great
North Winter Challenge led off the event heading to Inverness for the
snow capped mountain circuit and tests at Aviemore, reliving the
original Monte Carlo Rally format.[more]
Rally
School - 4 January About
20 enthusiasts of all generations attended
the Club’s rally navigation training event at the Patio Hotel
(now called the ‘Hilton Doubletree’) in Aberdeen on
Sunday 4 January. Expert navigators, Jan and Ron Adams, had prepared
tulips, herringbones, map references, spot heights and grid lines to
get us between Time Controls on OS map 45. There was a good atmosphere
and the event was enjoyed by all those present. We have no excuses now
for getting lost in 2009. A follow-up training event has been suggested
for later in the year.
News
from 2008
An
Evening with Stuart Turner - 4 Nov Grassicks
BMW garage on Perth's' famous "motor mile" was the place to be on the
evening of Tuesday 4 November 2008. CCHMSC welcomed around 100 car
enthusiasts from all over Scotland and northern England to hear Stuart
Turner, one of motorsports legends. Stuart delivered an informative and
witty talk on his experiences from club rallying to winning the British
Champion Co-driver on 3 occasions, and his time in the
competition departments at both BMC and Ford. [more].
La
Crofterra Pandemonia -13/14 September Take
50 Classic cars and set off round the Scottish highlands over roads you
would never guess existed, through scenery that takes your breath away.
Do it with the roof off. This is Highland Car Clubs La Crofterra
Pandemonia. 460 miles of pure fun.
[more]
Trans
Scottish Challenge -6 September This
year really was a challenge for all the crews. Running into some of the
worst weather on record in south east Scotland, Charterhall airfield
was more suited to boats rather than cars or airplanes. A far flung
change from the morning sunshine as we lined up at the Loch Lomond
Shores start. [more]
Culzean
Autoclassica - 23 & 24 August
Culzean Castle &
Country Park, Maybole, South Ayrshire A great
selection of
competitors and cars arrived at Scotland's largest show of Classic cars
to display their skills at historic tests for the entertainment of the
crowds. Tests at Turnberry and Kames in addition to those in the castle
grounds, plus an overnight navigational section, kept all the crews on
their toes. The Culzean Autoclassica Cup went to Andy Murdoch and David
Noble in their '74 Cooper S. The Trophy went to Irish duo Bryan Mutch
an Ken McEntee in a BMW 2002, whilst the Shield was won by
borderers Archie Simmonds and William Thomson in Archies' MG Midget. [more]
Deeside
Tour - 26 July The sunshine of Aberdeen and
the Grampians
attracted a wide range of Classic cars and put a smile on their owners
faces after a tour from Aberdeen to Balmoral and back via the Cairn O'
Mount. Eighteen crews took to the road. [more].
Stobs
Classic Stobs Camp near Hawick
attracted 24 starters for the first Stobs Classic on Sunday 15 June.
CCHMSC's Peter Ritchie took top marks in the club championship driving
his Clan Crusader, with John Hutchinson in his new Vitesse convertible
following up. [more].
La
Carrera Caledonia Jim
McGuiness put together another fine tour from Gretna Green to Aviemore
on the 7th and 8th of June. Routing through the borders of Scotland
before heading north for the overnight at Perth. Sunday visited
Dufftown, Huntly and Pennan (of Local Hero) fame. [more].
Argyll
Run Balloch Castle was this years
start venue for the 2008 Argyll Run. Some 53 entries enjoyed a
fantastic tour of the Trossachs under blue skies and sunshine, enjoying
Scotland's scenery at its best. A stop at Callandar for lunch and a run
up the Rest and be Thankful before returning to Balloch for prizes. [more]
Great
North Winter Challenge Scotland's
"Monte" experienced all the seasons over the three day event, wind,
snow, ice, rain and sunshine. Flagged of from Aberdeen the event
visited Inverness, and Applecross, via the Bealach Na Bà,
the Pass of the Cattle, Scotland's own "Turini", and finished with a
series of tests at Aviemore. [more]
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After
nearly a decade hosted at the Riverside Museum of Transport in Glasgow,
the time came for “The Old Girl” to move to a new
home.
north
into the Scottish highlands. Though we experienced a few heavy showers
most of the soft tops managed to keep tops down most of the time.
Our
return trip took us through the pass of Condie and the model village of
Forteviot to arrive back at Balhousie castle for our finishers meal. A
great day out under sunny skies meeting old friends, and making many
new. 
It
is with much sadness we report that Dave Spence,
Crofterra
organiser & the Master of the amazing route books,
passed
away on Tuesday morning 1st February, following a long illness. 
Our annual get
together of club members and enthusiasts for a
pre-Christmas high tea at the
Royal George Hotel in Perth attracted over 30 members. From across
Scotland our members made the trip and duly followed the Covid
constraints in place. We enjoyed our meal and once again the famous
Royal George meringues, the largest, tastiest meringues on the
planet, allegedly!! 
A
dry start beckoned well for the 40 starters to the first post Covid
club event of 2021. 
Outstanding
views and tight traffic clear roads abounded as we could see the River
Tay to the south and the Grampian mountains to the north. 
Starting
and finishing at the Black Watch museum at Balhousie Castle
in Perth proved yet again a great venue for this event. 
Mike
was always ready to offer advice and share his views on the cars we
were judging, particularly if they were Lancia, his favourite marque. A
few light hearted comments could be thrown in for good measure, and
make me smile. Little did I know that the 2019 event would be the last
time we would meet. He will be sadly missed at the upcoming 2021 event
on Sunday 8 August.
Jonathan
first started with the Royal Scottish Automobile Club in 1976, later
becoming Club Secretary and also Company Secretary of RSAC Motorsport
from 1989. Today he is of course well known as Clerk of the Course for
the RSAC Scottish Rally as well as various other motorsport events
across Scotland, also as a Motorsport UK Steward, Safety Delegate and
since 1997 Competitor Relations Officer on Rally GB. Behind the scenes
though he also undertakes several other motorsport roles including
handling Route Authorisations on behalf of the Scottish Government and
acting as Route Liaison Officer and Forestry Liaison Officer for
Motorsport UK. All of this on top of his busy non-motorsport interests
and commitments.
Car
of the event, as chosen by the other entrants was the magnificent 1955
Mercedes Benz 230SL 'Gullwing' crewed by Giovanni and Achille Tresoldi.
A great choice for an alpine tour.
AGM
- Adjournment - 24 September
Well
done to Enrico Tresoldi in achieving a 'full house' top score to win
the event in his 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider. CCHMSC member Jim
Paterson secured the Concours d'Elegance honours with his 1936 Bugatti
Atlantic SC57. A bit like 'Coals to Newcastle'
Back
in September 2018, CCHMSC member Bill Pollock, often seen on
tours in his TR4 , headed of to the USA to take part in the Alcan 5000
with son Euan. We gave Bill some extra CCHMSC stickers to
promote
our club way out on the west coast. 
Saltire
Classic Rally 2019
Anticipation of the event
running back on on closed roads was rewarded with excitement and
surprises as the event returned to Duns and the surrounding 11
closed road
stages of Abbey St. Bathans, Lanington Fogo and Blackadder. The
leader board told only part of the story. Read how it all unfolded at
John Fife's blog. As he says it was 'pure magic' 
The
weekend started on Friday 16 with a visit by around thirty CCHMSC
members to
M-Sport to see how they build WRC winning cars, at their Dovenby Hall
workshops in Cockermouth.
Over
30 crews arrived at the New Lanark Mills World Heritage Site for the
start of the 2018 Clyde Valley Rally on Sunday 30 September. A
challenging route led the crews to the lunch stop at the majestic
Drumlanrig Castle where we lined up in front of the castle and were
joined by a group of Belgian bikers, also on tour. Our second leg took
us over the hills offering some amazing views as the autumn sunshine
bathed the landscape. 
at Rumbling Bridge on Sunday 5 August. With a good
selection
of classic and sporting cars the crews took turns to test their skills
on a series of challenging tests that often looked easier than they
were. 
During
a casual conversation last winter a plan was hatched that would see
three cars and six CCHMSC members take on a memorable trip beyond the
Arctic Circle.
Also featured in
the pits was Billy Monger, who lost both lower legs in an
horrific accident racing in F4 at Donnington in April 2017, and is
already back at the wheel of a race car.. He joined Lewis Hamilton,
Sebastian Vettel,
Kimi Raikkonen at the Silverstone F1 event 
Perth
City and Scone Palace bathed in unbroken sunshine and blue skies to
welcome the thousands of visitors to the Perthshire Classic Car
Festival on Saturday 21 April. 
Record, Scotsman and
other motoring journals. The Rotary
Club of Blairgowrie are
organising the first Perthshire Classic Car
Festival which will take place on Saturday 21st April 2018.
The
Festival is raising funds for, Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer
Scotland and The Rotary
Foundation. 
Blue
skies and sunshine welcomed the crews at Bahousie Castle in
Perth
for the start of the Red Hackle Tour. Balhousie Castle is home to the
Black Watch museum and formed a stunning backdrop for our departure. 
Member John Stuart has been
challenging the roads of the Rally
Costa Brava while we were heading for the Argyll Classic. 
Monte
Historique review 
Alan
Duncan headed over to see the Festival. Starting on the Saturday with
bands and entertainment, the roads were closed off on the
Sunday from 10am to allow the Classic, Vintage, and Americana
(Yanks as Alan puts it), to drive in for the classic lineup.
The
Kennedy Cupcake and the Jump and Jive Dancers were there too. 
The
clouds were forming up to what could have made a wet afternoon at
Biggar, for the annual Albion Rally. However the day remained dry for
the classic cars, commercials, buses, motorcycles,
military, and
agricultural machinery arriving from across the country . 
This
years event organised by Strathmore Vintage Vehicle
Club
boasted an entry over the weekend of over 1000 vehicles of all ages,
shapes and size plus 150 stands dealing in auto-jumble, motor trade,
antiques, fund raising and crafts. CCHMSC members Mags and Don Campbell
brought their Sunbeam Talbot along. Alan Duncan survived the rain and
mud underfoot to capture the day on film. 
CCHMSC
members Ian Dixon and Maurice Millar teamed up in Ian's MGB/GT for the
opener of their season on 28 February the Saltire Rally at Blair
Atholl. The format for the day was 16
tests, with 4 regularities. Read
how the pair got on [
It
must seem a long time since the Classique cars left John O' Groats on
Wednesday morning. After 1542 miles at least the Riley WD is parked up
on the quay at Monte Carlo. Well done to John Lomax, Grdon McAllan and
the Blue Diamond support team. Amazing trip at an average of
around 30mph. Thanks for sharing the trip on Locatoweb. We have
followed you every step of the way. Enjoy the party tonight. You all
deserve it. 
Three
thousand miles later all of us are home, having
driven some
2500 miles of European roads across France, Spain, Andorra and Italy.
The eight crews
climbed countless cols in the Alps and the Pyrenees, as well as many
crossing France. 
Great
roads, to great places, with great company, enjoying
brilliant weather, a plus for the top down cars. Great
craic in the evenings made this once again a fantastic event
from
Highland Car Club. 
The
ninth Classic Car Tour organised for Strathendrick Rotary was held on
Sunday 26 April, “Drive it Day”, 71
starters Dobbies car park near Stirling to allow a more
northerly route for a change. 
Relive
the magic that is the Monte Carlo Historique by watching this ACM
video. With shots of the Glasgow Paisley starters as they challenge the
french alpine sections, culminating with the final race up the Turini.
If you drove the Heritage to Luss the whiteout snow sections
will
remind you of your crossing the tops to Loch Lomond.
Member
Joe Norman also organised a great drive it day across Argyll,
again under sun filled skies. Some 85 plus cars joined his
Strathendrick Rotary fund raising event. Check out photos taken by avid
photographer Alan Duncan 
Scotland
put on its best weather for the arrival of the 2013 International
Autoecosse starters. Starting with a set of sprecial tests at Dumfries
the crews made their way to Loch Lomond and on to Fort William. Even
the runners in the overnight Targa Bealach Na Ba had a 
mostly dry run,
with one crew keeping the top down all night. Sunday was wall to
wall sunshine. [
Last
time we saw Craig Lowndes with a big smile was driving the Glasgow Start 1951 Holden
48-215(FX)
to win the oldest car to finish trophy at the Monte Carlo Historique
rallly back in February. Well he smiles again in a Holden, this time a
full throttle V8 version to notch up his 91st race win. The 38 year old
Lowndes scored an emphatic win over four-time champion Jamie Whincup to
become the most successful driver in the history of Australian V8
Supercars. You just can't keep a great driver down. [
Under
a bright sunlit sky the 90 plus starters for the 2013 Rallye Monte
Carlo Historique set off from Glasgow on their 200 mile journey. Lord
Provost Sadie Docherty flagged off the starters, with a special 'flag'
to Tommy Bryce who competed in the 1954 event and led off the starters
in his Citreon. The official opening car was the Triumph Vitesse of
Coordinator and CCHMSC member Douglas Anderson. The cars began their
trip at 2.00pm, departing at 1 minute intervals. The team from
Australia in their 1948 Holden FX and a 1979 Holden Commodore were
celebrating the 60th anniversary of their 1953 entry. [
Everything
is ready for the big day on Saturday 26th.Glasgow
is the place to be to see the 2013 Glagow start of the Rallye Monte
Carlo Historique. 
Classic
High Tea 
Some
100 cars lined up at Clydebank college on Sunday afternoon , and
together with Celtic Spirit and the Cup Cake dancers entertained the
several thousand spectators who turned out for the Monte Carlo
Clydebank start. 
Around 55 CCHMSC entrants
for the Blythswood Heritage Run followed the Monte cars over the ramp
with some heading for Dumfries and others to Drymen.
The
first day of Spring had officially arrived, and it certainly visited
the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll on Sunday 27th March to welcome the 34
starters to the Argyll Classic Run. When the weather is good in Argyll
you get to see some of Scotland's finest scenery, [
2000
miles from Glasgow to Monte Carlo, over snow swept summits in the
Alps. This was the challenge for the CCHMSC crews, with Douglas
Anderson and Jim Pateron in Douglas's 1961 Triumph Herald Coupe. Read
how Douglas's dream of bringing the Monte back to Glasgow came true,
and the antics of their trip to Monte Carlo through freezing weather
and snow storms, on this the 100th anniversary of the worlds oldest
rally that everyone knows of - The Monte Carlo Rallye Now
includes the time in Monte and the trip home. [
Monte
Carlo - Glasgow Press Launch
Twentynine
entries turned out for what was a great run through the Trossachs and a
visit to the Rest and be Thankful. A change of start venue to
Boness, to coincide with the Boness Hillclimb weekend provided a bit of
variety for those who are regulars to the "Argyll". Good weather
favoured the crews, even on the Rest, before reaching the end at
Arrochar. [
A great
selection of
competitors and cars arrived at Scotland's largest show of Classic cars
to display their skills at historic tests for the entertainment of the
crowds. Tests at Turnberry and Kames in addition to those in the castle
grounds, plus an overnight navigational section, kept all the crews on
their toes. The Culzean Autoclassica Cup went to Andy Murdoch and David
Noble in their '74 Cooper S. The Trophy went to Irish duo Bryan Mutch
an Ken McEntee in a BMW 2002, whilst the Shield was won by
borderers Archie Simmonds and William Thomson in Archies' MG Midget. [
