MOTOR EVENT IS A CLASSIC
£27k is raised at Drive-It Day
Generous classic car fans raised around £27,000 for charities at a gathering in Blairgowrie at the weekend.
The popular Drive-It Day event, which was held in the east Perthshire town for a fourth time, was organised by the Rotary Club of Blairgowrie.
The three previous events have raised around £80,000 in total for charities, making the 2021 Drive-It Day the most successful to date.
It also means that over £100,000 has now been raised through the four events.
This year, the Drive-It Day was raising money for Alzheimer Scotland, Bowel Cancer UK and the Rotary’s own charitable activities locally.
The gathering, usually held in April, was one of thousands of events cancelled last year due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
But, as restrictions were gradually eased this year, organisers rescheduled the event to take place on Sunday, August 22.
The Drive-It Day event, which celebrates a 1000-mile run from London to northern Scotland and back that took place more than 110 years ago, has been acclaimed as one of the premier events in the Scottish classic car calendar.
All the participants who had signedup to take part in the event last year before it was cancelled signed-up for the new date this year, with enthusiasts from all over the UK taking part.
Around 80 cars gathered at Blairgowrie Golf Club where they
were waved on their way by Perth and Kinross Council Provost Dennis Melloy.
They then drove through the Wellmeadow and on a scenic route through rural Perthshire and Fife.
Blairgowrie car enthusiast and the man behind the event, Colin Stewart, was delighted with its success.
He said: “It was phenomenal to see everyone here after the year we have all had.
“And thankfully the weather wasn’t too wet for us either.
“On behalf of the Rotary Club of Blairgowrie, I would like to thank everyone for their generosity.”
And president of Blairgowrie Rotary Club, Phil Seymour, added: “We were delighted to be able to finally hold such a successful car tour that was originally meant to have been held 18 months ago.
“Everybody had a great day and we were staggered to raise so much to aid the work of Bowel Cancer UK, Alzheimer Scotland and local causes.
“We would like to thank all the participants and sponsors for their incredible generosity.
“For a small club of 25 members, the dedication shown in planning and running these four events is a great testament to them and the work that Rotary does to support others.
“Special thanks must go to Colin Stewart who has been the inspiration behind the events.”
Provost Melloy commented: “Once again the Rotary Club of Blairgowrie has come up trumps with Colin Stewart and his team of hard-working volunteers pulling out all the stops to raise funds for Bowel Cancer UK, Alzheimer Scotland and local worthy causes.
“The display of cars was really outstanding and I was delighted to have been asked to wave them off on their trip.”
One of those taking part was Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser.
He said: “It was a pleasure to be part of the Blairgowrie Rotary Club’s classic car tour this year.
“We enjoyed motoring through 160 miles of beautiful Perthshire and Fife scenery in the company of other drivers from all over the country.
“Huge thanks to Colin Stewart and all the organisers for the efforts they put in to making the day such a success.
“A remarkable £27,000 was raised for very worthwhile charities, which is a brilliant effort from all concerned.”