CLASSIC and vintage car enthusiasts are gearing up for one of the highlights of the year in the north of Scotland.
The Fortrose and Rosemarkie Classic Vehicle Rally will be taking place on Saturday, August 31, and promises to be a great day out for participants and spectators.
The event is expected to attract more than 120 vehicles, which will set off from Dingwall’s Auction Mart at 11am for a scenic drive to Fortrose along country roads on the Black Isle.
They will then gather at Fortrose Academy Playing Fields no later than 1pm, where they will be on show until 4pm – with free entry for visitors. The line-up of eye-catching machines for the rally includes motorcycles and commercial vehicles, too.
There will also be a variety of stalls, attractions and entertainment, while refreshments will be available in the nearby theatre building, making it a great family day out.
First held in August 2003, the rally has grown in popularity thanks to its friendly nature and enthusiasts travel from far and wide to take part.
Among the highlights this year will be a very rare 1925 Galloway 12/30 that, with 12hp on tap, has a top speed of 51mph.
Galloway Motors, based in Dumfries and Kirkcudbright, built 1500 to 1800 cars between 1921 and 1928 – but just 16 are thought to be in existence globally, of which only four are in Europe.
This particular model was originally shipped to Australia and turned in time into a pick-up truck. On its return to the UK, it was converted into a two-seater sports car inspired by the Alvis 12/50 boat tail.
Eventually, this very historic car was repatriated to Scotland in 2009 and has lived in Moray since then.
Others expected to be taking part in the Fortrose spectacle are a 1936 Austin 10 Cabriolet that still sees regular use on the roads around Inverness and Nairn, a 1954 Jaguar XK120, a 1967 MG BGT, a 1971 Jensen Interceptor Mk2 and a 1972 Land Rover Series 3 Fire Engine.
