Classic cars set off from John O'Groats on Monte Carlo Heritage Rally
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Classic cars from years gone by made a fine sight as they headed out of Caithness this week as part of the 2020 Monte Carlo Heritage Rally.
The weather was kind as the event got under way at John O'Groats on Tuesday morning. Last year's event saw the village blanketed with snow but a clear day greeted the 13 classic cars that were on the starting grid.
The vehicles were flagged off by John O'Groats businessman Walter Mowat as they began their journey to Glasgow.
Andrew Mowat, manager of the Seaview Hotel and John O'Groats Development Trust, said: "The opening day of the Monte Carlo Heritage Rally went smoothly.
"We had 13 cars lining up and there were no issues at all, either with the vehicles or the weather, although there was one driver who was driving an open-air car with no roof like many used to do in the 1930s.
"This stage just takes them through to Glasgow. I don't think any of the drivers we saw today will be going all the way to Monte Carlo.
"The last time the full route from John O'Groats to Monte Carlo was done was in 2016 on the 90th anniversary of the race.
"The heritage rally is to keep up interest in the race and hopefully get the full run re-established – certainly before the 100th anniversary is due."
The northern part of the heritage run was organised by James Slevin, formerly of Thurso and now living in Glasgow. He is a member of the rally's organising committee and counted down the cars at the start.
Other heritage runs are taking place all over Scotland, with Glasgow being the final destination for some, while one or two could have their sights on a Monte Carlo finish.
Most competitors will be starting with Glasgow with the aim of reaching the Riviera. Glasgow is one of seven European cities serving as the main starting point, with other cars beginning their journeys from Athens, Milan and Barcelona.
The race will be run over two classes. The Historique class is being run for the 23rd year and is restricted to car models which competed in the Monte Carlo rallies between 1955 and 1980.
It will run over eight days on open public roads with the cars and crews undertaking a series of 14 demanding test stages in the mountains of southern France.
The Classique event is for older cars from as early as 1911 to 1965 and follows the same route to Monte Carlo but does not include any test stages, the goal simply being to finish in Monte Carlo after checking in at a series of control points on the way.
Bailie John Kane of Glasgow City Council said: “The start of the Monte Carlo Rally will be an occasion to remember when owners and enthusiasts bring their treasured vehicles to Glasgow to set off on this epic adventure.
"There are sure to be some of the greatest automobiles ever made at the start line which spectators will be able to see up close. I’m looking forward to welcoming the teams and their vehicles to the city and waving them off."
