Scottish Land Rover Show
Ingilston hosts the biggest gathering for all things green oval that Scotland has ever seen
THIS YEAR marked the third outing for the largest Land Rover gathering north of the border at Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre. There was the usual eclectic mix of displays and trade stands and fun and games including the popular Knock Down Land Rover, while Emrys Kirby stepped in as compere in the main arena.
The star of the show was undoubtedly the Series I Reborn No 9, a 1948 model rescued from the Australian bush and returned to factory-fresh condition.
As usual there were plenty of Defenders to admire and this year all utility Land Rovers were parked inside the show ground for added security.
Meanwhile the trade stands were back in force with contributions from Flatdog, Beaumont’s, Get Off Road and local Land Rover specialist Engine710 amongst many others. As always the smaller stands packed with secondhand parts and Land Rover bits were doing a brisk trade. There really was something for everyone from the overlanding crowd to those looking for that elusive part for their classic.
The club scene was well represented too, with the Series One Club getting plenty of attention with that aforementioned 1948 Aussie No 9 as its star attraction, while the increasing interest in early Discos was also catered for with both the Discovery Owners Club and Project Jay Preservation Group in attendance. I naturally gravitated towards the military section and was amused to see the Wolf TUMS I remember coming into service in the early 1990s. There were also some nicely-restored 101s, although believe me they never looked that good in actual service! I also spotted an interesting unrestored Series III CSW with wonderful patina and displayed in a typical barn-find environment.
Strolling through the camping area it is always interesting to see the many and varied solutions to Land Rover camping on display, with roof tents very much to the fore these days. Fortunately, the Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston boast acres of room to accommodate those making a weekend of it, with good facilities on hand.
Meanwhile, back in the main arena, the 4x4 response groups were doing their thing. It was a reminder of how they really came into their own during last winter’s bad weather, ferrying health workers and other service providers through the snow and ice. Land Rover Experience with their curious Push Me, Pull Me Defender were also present, and doing well to promote their 70th Anniversary Open Day Drive next month.
All in all, it was a great weekend and the event can rightly stake its claim as the premier Land Rover gathering in Scotland. I’m looking forward to next year already.