BOOST FOR MOTORSPORT HERITAGE CENTRE PLANS

Aproject to establish a Scottish Motorsport Heritage Centre at the historic Rest and Be Thankful hill climb and rally stage in Argyll has been granted official charitable status.

The Scottish Charity Regulator OSCR has approved the project, which would pay tribute to the Scottish motorsport heroes of the past and present.

It’s planned to be established near the classic hairpin at the top of the Rest which has been an iconic motorsport location for many years in hillclimb, international rallying and motorbike events.

The project is the brain child of Douglas anderson, the dundee man responsible for the return of the monte carlo rally to scotland over recent years.

His vision is that the centre, on the dramatic hillside, would breathe new life into the popular stopping place and bring tourism spend and jobs to local communities as well as acknowledge the Rest as one of the most important motor sport locations in Scotland.

“The location of the proposed building at the Rest and Be Thankful, Argyll, has great significance in motorsport terms because of the famous hill climb races and international rallies,” said Douglas.

“It was seen as the ultimate test for drivers in many ways because of the steepness and conditions and many greats like Jackie Stewart raced there. It is therefore the ideal place to celebrate Scotland’s impressive motorsport heritage.

“The idea is to mark that connection within a permanent exhibition space, but the project itself is much more than that. The building would be a multiuse facility which could be used by the local community for film, business and cultural events and there would also be retail and a restaurant area.”

“There would be jobs in the construction phase and full and part-time local jobs when complete.”

The concept has already been given the backing of F1 world champion Sir Jackie Stewart, multiple British Touring Car Champion John Cleland and veteran scottish rally driver jimmy Mcrae.

Now that official charitable status has been granted, the five trustees are looking to carry out a feasibility study and generate financial backing.

Chairman of the trustees stan Bernard said: “This is a major project requiring considerable time and effort but my fellow trustees are all passionate about the vision.

“We really appreciate the help and support we are getting from enthusiastic individuals across all levels of the sport and from local and national government and key organisations.”