Rally boys enjoy tasting treat at Thurso's Wolfburn Distillery

Committee members from the Caithness and Sutherland Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club (CSVCVC) enjoyed a special day out at Wolfburn Distillery in Thurso on Saturday.

James Green, CSVCVC chairman, said that with the new year comes a new committee with fresh ideas for the vintage motoring aficionados.

"For the first time at our John O’Groats Rally (June 9) we decided not only to have a crafters tent but also some trade stands as well," said James.

He asked Elaine Rapson-Grant, event planner for Artisans North, to take ownership of organising all this for the club as he said her group had done "such a good job" in the past.

Kevin Sutherland, CSVCVC secretary, added: “We knew Artisans North had their regular artisans as well as contacts for the trade stands. So it was in safe hands."

James went on to say that Elaine had got in touch to say that she had Wolfburn Distillery all booked up for a trade stand. “We were delighted, but then she went on to ask the club if we fancied our own bottle of whisky at the rally in John O'Groats," said James.

Alexander Deas, CSVCVC media officer, said: "Well, we all thought this was a fantastic idea and hoped it would happen."

Elaine liaised with Wolfburn for a CSVCVC rally whisky and arranged for the creation of a new club logo to be placed on the bottles. "Wolfburn’s designers made the most fantastic eye-catching and professional logo for the rally bottles,” said Elaine.

"Thereafter, I arranged a tour and tasting for the committee which Wolfburn had very generously offered and this took place on Saturday."

At Saturday's core expression whisky tasting session were CSVCVC committee members James, Kevin, Alexander and Ian Grant who is the club's health and safety officer. Ian said: "Wolfburn have been fantastic, and so generous indeed to the club. We really appreciate all that they have done for us."

Three-year-old Isla also thoroughly enjoyed her day out with her dad James at the tasting, and she had the last word when she asked her father, "can we come back again tomorrow?".

The club chair added: "Anyone wanting to purchase a bottle should come along to the John O’Groats rally on Sunday, June 9 when it will be launched by Wolfburn."

If you would like to join the club as a member or would like further info then visit the Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/CSVCVC

All existing club members are reminded to pay their dues before February 18 at the very latest. Any members who have not paid by that date will be required to re-apply to join.

The club has created a new private group Facebook page where all paid-up members will be invited to join and then have access to information regarding club runs/rallies and meetings. The club’s existing public facebook page will continue but, in future, only give general news as well as photos of events that have already taken place.

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