Stirling welcomed Rally participants on Thursday evening, 29th January…
A red floodlit Stirling Castle provided the backdrop for a ‘Monte Fest’ to see off the competitors in this year’s Monte Carlo Classique/Historique Rally as they called at the city on their way to the South of France.
Lord Provost of Stirling Rosemary Fraser waved off the crews who’d already travelled down from the start on the morning of Thursday 29th January at John O’ Groats
The event marks the centenary of the start when a group of intrepid adventurers left the windswept northern tip of mainland Scotland to drive 1500 miles to Monte Carlo in the South of France to establish what has become one of the world’s iconic motorsport events.
A century on, their modern counterparts are replicating their achievement in a range of cars, some of which date back to the early years.
The event has been run several times in recent years with a variety of Scottish starts including Paisley, Glasgow and Clydebank but for this year’s major milestone in the history of the event there was a welcome return to the traditional John O’Groats start.
Lord Provost Fraser said: “Stirling is proud to play host to the Scottish leg of the legendary Monte Carlo Rally; an event that captures the imagination of motorsport fans around the world.
The rally has a rich heritage and spirit of adventure and we are delighted to welcome competitors, crews and visitors to share in this special occasion.”
The crowds got the chance to speak to the crews and get a close-up look at the cars while being entertained by a piper and the singing trio, The Vintage Girls who braved the icy conditions to deliver songs matching the era of some of the cars.
For more information:
Douglas Anderson, event co-ordinator 01382 731755 dglanderson1@yahoo.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057040406909