Rally set to be a classic blast in the Highlands

AN ARRAY of historic and classic cars are set to take to Scotland’s most stunning roads for a five-day event in the autumn.

Organised by specialist club Rally the Globe, the Highland Thistle Rally promises to be “a magnificent 1200-mile driving escapade through Scotland’s most spectacular scenery”.

Starting and finishing in St Andrews, it is open to all pre-1977 models and will run from October 4 to 9.

Eye-catching cars already entered range from a number of standout Bentleys from the 1920s right up to a much-loved Mini from the Swinging 60s.

The epic journey includes competitive challenges on twisting minor roads and special tests at motorsport venues and airfields.

However, participants will be rewarded along the way with accommodation at swanky hotels and visits to magnificent castles and top-class attractions.

The route takes in Loch Tay, the Trossachs, Oban, Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, Loch Lochy, Eilean Donan Castle, Skye, Applecross, the Inverness area, Ullapool, Dornoch, Speyside, the Cairngorms and Glamis Castle.

Clerk of the course Mark Appleton has driven the route as part of Rally the Globe’s final preparations.

He said: “The glorious Highlands have always been the absolute epitome of scenic beauty and they seem even more so after the recent travel restrictions.

“There could be no better way for us to get back on the road again.”

A few spaces are still available and those interested should go to the rallytheglobe. com website to find out more.