Scenic rally for vintage motors
Good causes are set to benefit as 85 vehicles of a variety of vintages took part in the recent Perthshire Classic Car Tour.
The event was held on Sunday, April 21, and was organised by the Rotary Club of Perth.
Although the precise amount raised has yet to be established, drivers, sponsors and advertisers are said to have generated “significant funds” for eating disorder awareness charity Beat, the MS Society Scotland and other local good causes.
Waved off by Perth and Kinross Council Provost Xander McDade, the scenic route started at Perth’s McDiarmid Park and included a lunch stop at the Isles of Glencoe Hotel.
The cars then made the return route passing the top of Loch Awe to finish at Crieff Hydro Hotel.
Each leg of the journey was around 100 miles and Rotarians organised the rally with the support of main sponsor, the John Clark Motor Group.
Conditions were changeable, with the morning’s rain eventually giving way to sunshine as entrants made their way back to Perthshire to complete the charity outing.
Crieff’s Alistair Hepburn took part for the first time this year in a 1972 MGB Roadster.
He said: “It was my first time on the tour and I was particularly impressed with its organisation and the large number of enthusiastic, helpful, Perth Rotary Club marshals at the start, lunch venue and at Crieff Hydro.
“Also, the presence of so many knowledgeable car enthusiasts all around on the route gave a real sense of reassurance about the drive.
“And, of course, the weather changing from rain to beautiful sunshine for the return run made the scenery particularly stunning and beautiful.”
He added: “The hospitality at both the Isles of Glencoe Hotel and Crieff Hydro, with dinner set among classic cars, went very smoothly and was most enjoyable.
“Overall the tour was very well done and in aid of great charities.
“I left feeling very positive about the whole day.”
Anna Page, a community fundraising officer with Beat, said: “We can’t thank the Rotary Club of Perth enough for its incredible support!
“The range of classic cars taking part was fantastic and it seemed like everybody had a brilliant time.
“Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that affect thousands of people across Scotland.
“The funds raised will help us to support as many people with eating disorders as possible, as well as their loved ones.”
The end-of-tour dinner was followed by an informal prizegiving ceremony.
• Spirit of the Event Awards were presented as follows:
Dressed in keeping with age of car - David Glen, 1968 Volvo 122S;
Third year as ‘Tail End Charlie’ Mark Crozier, Auto Services Perth;
Sponsorship - Mike and Chloe Grant, Island Leisure and Chloe Grant Racing, and Stephen Leckie, CEO of Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels.
• Other awards presented included: Furthest travelled to participate - Paul Bawor, Kings Lynn, 2002 Porsche Boxter 986S;
Oldest car - Anthony Alston, Muthill, 1928 Alvis TB 14.75 3.4 Coupe;
Best-presented car - Andre Sarafilovic, 1981 Rolls Royce Corniche FHC.
Recognition was also given to the John Clark Motor Group for its sponsorship of the event.