Classic cars at Scone Palace as part of fundraising drive

For classic car fans, Perth and Scone Palace are THE places to be today. Why? Because 150 classic cars, from Model T Fords to Bugatti Veyrons, are on parade from Scone to Tay Street and back – all in the aid of charity.

They will be on show in Tay Street for two hours, from late morning until lunchtime – a golden opportunity to view them close up. Other attractions include a continental market and lively street music.

Added to that, Prince Michael of Kent, the royals’ keenest classic car enthusiast, will be taking the salute as the cars return to Scone, passing over the old bridge. Adding a touch of history and colour, the first 20 cars will preceded by a red flag – recalling motoring’s quaint early days when, by law, a red flag bearer had to walk ahead of every motor car.

You don’t believe it? Well, there’s actually a prominent 1879 sign at the bridge stating the law and the penalties for flouting it. Those days are long gone, but the sign is still there.

Back at Scone, the parade cars will be parked close to the palace for everyone to admire. In addition, Ecurie Ecosse, main sponsor Morris Leslie, Knockhill Circuit and countless Scottish car clubs will have 300 finest classic cars and other vehicles on show. Among many historic cars will be the Jaguar XK120 that Stirling Moss and team drove for 24 hours at over 100mph around France’s Montlhery circuit in 1952.

It will be a day of classic cars, history and nostalgia – with the added prestige of Prince Michael visiting stands and exhibits. Not that all theaction is on the ground – a Pitts Special biplane will perform aerobatics and there are many attractions for children and families.

And tomorrow is Drive It Day, when 80 classic cars will leave Blairgowrie Golf Club, passing through the town’s Wellmeadow on a 140-mile drive to Royal Deeside via the Cairnwell and back via the Cairn o’ Mount, finishing again at Scone Palace.

All proceeds will be donated to Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer Scotland and the Rotary Foundation.

The Bugatti Veyron is one of the classic cars that will be on show at Perth and Scone Palace.