Classic cars head to Blair
Rotary Club is driving force behind motor day
Blairgowrie will host one of Scotland’s most prestigious classic car gatherings next year, as its Rotary Club takes over the annual Drive-It Day.
Around 65 classic cars will descend on east Perthshire for the event, which raises thousands of pounds for charity each year.
Organised for the past 10 years by the Strathendrick Rotarians, Drive-It Day dates back to April 1900, when 64 cars left London for a 1000-mile return run to northern Scotland to prove the reliability of the then “new” motor car.
Next year’s 120-mile fundraising event, which takes place on April 23, will attract dozens of classic cars from throughout Scotland and further afield.
In 2017, entry numbers will be set provisionally at 65 cars. Successful applicants will receive a form to seek sponsorship from friends and colleagues, while local and regional firms have been approached to fund aspects of the Drive-It Day.
The Sunday event will set off from Blairgowrie Golf Club and ends with a high tea, prize-giving, charity auction and raffle at the Crieff Hydro Hotel.
All money raised from the event will go to two charities, Cancer Research and CHAS.
Blairgowrie Rotarian Colin Stewart - himself a classic car enthusiast - is heading up the organising committee.
He said: “We are putting a great deal of effort into this and have high hopes we will continue the fine tradition established by Strathendrick.
“The event will bring some of the UK’s finest classic cars to Blairgowrie and the route through the town and Perthshire means many local people will see the rare and historic cars taking part.”
Joe Norman of Strathendrick Rotary Club added: “We are delighted Blairgowrie Rotarians are taking over the event and are confident they will maintain, and indeed build on, its successful record.”
And Blairgowrie Rotary Club were pleased to announce at their most recent meeting, held last week in the Royal Hotel in Blairgowrie, that the main sponsor of the event is Blairgowrie-based Graham Environmental Services.
Ross Graham, managing
We are delighted Blairgowrie Rotarians are taking over the event Joe Norman
director of the award-winning local firm, said: “Graham Environmental Services are delighted to be associated with the Blairgowrie Rotary Classic Car Tour 2017.
“I have witnessed first-hand the work that Colin Stewart and other members of the Rotary Club of Blairgowrie have been putting in to bring this phenomenal event to Blairgowrie and we are delighted to support the Classic Car Tour as main sponsors.
“We very much hope that the people of Blairgowrie and surrounding areas will take the opportunity to witness some of the most beautiful cars in the UK driving along their streets on April 23 next year.”
Several local firms have agreed to sponsor other aspects of the Drive-It Day but some sponsorship packages are still available. For further information, contact Colin Stewart on 07971159014 or blairgowrieclassiccartour@outlook.com
More details are available on the Rotary Club’s Drive-It Day website, www.blairgowrieclassiccartour.