Classic car show grows to enter a new age

One of the largest shows of classic vehicles in the north will be drawing the crowds to the Black Isle again on Saturday.

The Fortrose and Rosemarkie Classic Rally has come a long way since the first hastily arranged event in 2003.

Then, there were only 20 cars and two motorbikes gathered together by organisers John Mackenzie and Chris Silver of the Highland Classic Motor Club.

Over the following years it has become a hugely popular event, now run by a hardworking committee, and attracts an entry list of 120 vehicles on display.

Once again entrants

“A hugely popular event with120vehicles on display”

to this year’s event will meet at the Auction Mart outside Dingwall before heading off on a scenic drive to Fortrose over some of the Black Isle’s country roads on their way to the display at Fortrose Academy’s sports field.

Classic car owners love the event, which is considered to be one of the friendliest in Scotland. Unlike many other similar shows, there are no prizes. Instead, crowds gazing over the hardware are the toughest judges.

The entry list is crammed with interesting vehicles, the oldest a rare BSA threewheel car from 1932 and an 82-year-old Austin 10 Cabriolet. There will be a slightly younger 16hp Rover Export Saloon, which was built just two years after the end of the Second World War, a beautiful Alvis TA21 from 1952 and a 1954 Austin A40 Somerset.

Other cars to look out for are a Hillman Minx Californian, which is just a year younger.

Entry is free.