The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Classic cars to be seen around country roads
TOUR: More than 30 drivers are taking part in the bi-annual Scottish Malts tour
A noisy cavalcade of vintage vehicles roared through the Perthshire countryside as part of a week-long trail of stately homes, castles and distilleries.
More than 30 drivers from across the UK are taking part in the bi-annual Scottish Malts tour.
The event, which starts and ends at the Gleneagles Hotel, is open to cars built before 1986.
The vehicles set off from the five-star Auchterarder establishment on Monday and headed for the Crieff Hydro, via the Fairmont St Andrews.
On day two, the drivers visited Ballathie House near Kinclaven and Glamis Castle.
The rest of the week will feature stops at Glencoe, Inverness and Pitlochry before returning for a gala dinner and awards at Gleneagles on Friday night.
The event, now in its 16th year, is one of the most popular tours organised by the Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation (Hero).
A spokesman said the cars cover about 180 miles each day.
“The roads of Scotland are quiet away from the cities. They provide us with some of the best driving and scenery in the United Kingdom,” he said.
“The Malts gets its name from the whisky distilleries we visit along the way.
“Traditionally we try and site some driving tests at these venues, but we also visit castles, stately homes and attractions en route. The variation is wonderful.”
He added: “The Malts is aimed at a wide range of competitors.
“The navigation and route are designed to allow those who have never competed before to enjoy the challenge and excitement of a truly international event, but still are able to test the experienced crews who compete.”
There will be more motoring fun in Perth this weekend with the return of the Classic Car Parade.
More than 450 iconic cars, motorcycles and vintage buses will converge on the area on Saturday.
They register at Scone Palace in the morning, before making their way into the Fair City later in the day.
The event has been organised by Blairgowrie Rotary Club, in partnership with Scone Palace and Perth and Kinross Council.
jabuchan@thecourier.co.uk
“Some of the best driving and scenery in the United Kingdom. SPOKESMAN