A Porsche owned by Alan Cameron, of Invergordon, won the Edward Sutherland Memorial Trophy for the best exhibit at the rally. But it wasn’t a sports car, rather a 1959 Porsche-Diesel 108 Junior tractor. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
This year’s vintage and classic vehicle rally at John O’Groats attracted record crowds under sunny skies.
Organisers reckon the turnout on Sunday was at least 2500 and possibly closer to 3000.
The event was again hosted jointly by Caithness and Sutherland Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club and Caithness Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club.
It featured more than 180 vintage and classic exhibits, from tractors and motorcycles to cars, lorries, model boats, stationary engines and even a World War II Jeep.
The showground was filled with the sights and sounds of motoring history, with performances by Wick RBLS Pipe Band and Highland dancers adding to the occasion.
Demonstrations of a working vintage baler and mill brought an authentic agricultural touch, while Craft North’s display of local wares generated plenty of interest. There was a range of refreshments on offer.
This Polaris Slingshot three-wheeled machine was for sale, but nine-year-old Jack Bissett and his sister Rebecca (3), of Harrow Hill, Wick, couldn’t persuade their father that it would make an ideal new toy. It was manufactured in the USA and owner Eain Sutherland, from Scrabster, believes there are only around three in the country. He bought the 2016 model six years ago. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
James Green, chairman of Caithness and Sutherland Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club, was delighted with the “fantastic turnout”.
He said: “With a lively, welcoming atmosphere, the rally proved a hit for families and visitors of all ages.
“Congratulations to all the volunteers and participants who made this much-loved community event another memorable success.”
The Edward Sutherland Memorial Trophy for best exhibit went to Alan Cameron, of Invergordon, for his 1959 Porsche-Diesel 108 Junior tractor.
The Tom Sayles Trophy for best restored and modified was awarded to Jason Gell, of Barrock, for his 1943 Willys MB military vehicle.
Nine-year-old Jordan Broughton, of Dunnet, took the Lee Meiklejohn Memorial Trophy for youngest competitor with a 1990 Rally Electrolux 11-92 garden tractor.
The trophy for farthest travelled went to Douglas Leith, of Huntly, with his 2008 Cadillac CTS.
Proceeds from the rally, after expenses, are donated to local charities in Caithness and Sutherland.
Nine-year-old Jordan Broughton, of Dunnet, won the trophy for the youngest competitor with his Rally Electrolux 11-92 ride-on mower, dating back some 35 years. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern StudiosCaithness Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club chairman Andrew Mackay (right) feeds an old threshing mill during a display on the field. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern StudiosJames Green, chairman of Caithness and Sutherland Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club (right), with trophy-winners (from left) Jason Gell, Barrock; Douglas Leith, Huntly; Alan Cameron, Invergordon; and Jordan Broughton, Dunnet. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern StudiosSome of the bumper crowded making their way around the showground at sunny John O'Groats on Sunday. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern StudiosNine-year-old Alexander MacIvor at the controls of George Williamson’s 1960 Track Marshall. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern StudiosMark House, of Reay, with his 1953 Buick. With only 41,000 miles on the clock, the car spent most of its life in a private collection in the USA before being acquired by Mark a few years ago. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern StudiosRoger Broughton, of Dunnet, with a Lister Junior stationary engine on the left and the much larger 1945 Kelvin Marine diesel engine which in a past life had been used to power the foghorn at Duncansby Head lighthouse. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern StudiosThere was a big display of lorries, both vintage and modern. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern StudiosCaithness and Sutherland Vintage Vehicle Club chairman James Green during Sunday’s annual rally at John O’Groats. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern StudiosSpectators and enthusiasts flocked to John O’Groats on Sunday for Caithness and Sutherland Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club’s annual rally, now a combined event with Caithness Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern StudiosReturning to his home county, Douglas Leith, now living in Huntly, received the trophy for the farthest-travelled competitor with a 2008 Cadillac CTS. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern StudiosA line-up of motorcycles attracted plenty of interest during Sunday's rally. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern StudiosThere was a large display of cars, tractors, lorries, motorbikes and stationary engines, among other attractions. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
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