The Scottish Rally Championship 1990 – 1999 by John Fife.
The second book on the history of the Scottish Rally Championship has now been published and is on sale – in ideal time for Christmas presents!
It follows on from the previous 1980-1989 book and covers the decade 1990 to 1999. If the 1980s were a ‘golden’ period in Scottish rallying, the 1990s burnished that reputation during which time three world titles were won by two Scottish drivers and one Scottish co-driver.
All three rose to prominence during this decade and continued to compete in Scotland before international success took them further afield.
This book differs from the previous volume in three main respects following ‘complaints’ received after publication of the first book. These ‘complaints’ were all received from buyers of the first book who wanted longer reports, more stories and more pictures!
This book has therefore complied with those wishes/demands/threats! Each of the 80 plus individual rally reports from the 1990s decade is longer and more detailed, there are more stories and even more photographs – again, many of which have never before been published.
The popular ‘McRae’ section has again been included which also features many previously unpublished photographs. This has resulted in a bigger book with more pages – and all due to customer demand.
There were also requests for more ‘personality pages’ and three have been included in this latest book. They are all there on merit, but where would I stop? Everyone who competes in the national championship is a ‘personality’ in their own right!
Do you think more should be included in the next book – the 2000s – or should there be a separate book devoted to such meritorious individuals?
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Our 2024 Autumn Run began with entrants meeting at the New Lanark Visitor Centre on the 6th October. There was an area set aside for members to park and a great opportunity to scrutinise some of the interesting vehicles participating in the days event. A great venue to meet and chat before heading off on a route prepared by our chairman, Chris Paton.
Luckily the weather was kind and although the sun remained behind cloud, there was no need to utilise the alternative route provided in case we encountered any ‘monsoon conditions’! Fifteen crews set off on the near 70 mile journey through the upper Clyde valley which delivered some stunning views of the Lanarkshire hillsides, travelling along fabulous road surfaces. (Eat your heart out Glasgow!). The route then turned west and into Ayrshire via the spectacular Mennock pass where a couple of crews spotted an Eagle take to the sky after it caught a large fish in the Mennock Water which runs alongside the road.
Gemmell’s Garden Centre was a welcome sight for relief and sustenance for many of us. A table reservation allowed run participants a chance to discuss and compare stories. Some managed to go off-piste, whether meant or unintended we just don’t know! Never a navigator error!! A delicious and vast selection was available from the café and some retail therapy available for all to partake in. This allowed for lunch prior to our next route which took us to what can only be described as ‘The Best Secret Man cave in Scotland’.
A great photo opportunity ensued as we were treated to an amazing collection of cars and motorcycles. A photo opportunity of Ian Gemmell with the Hillman Avenger he’d had great success in. No doubt a lovely trip down memory lane for you Ian. Another of the cars found a connection as Nancy sported matching attire (picture of her posing beside the yellow car).
Some fabulous artwork along the back wall of the car room portraying some of the cars. A stunning collection of vehicles not just four wheels but motorcycles, one of which was World Champion Stunt Rider Kevin Carmichael’s limited edition, chassis no. 000 Triumph.
The cars and motorcycles were only part of the secret as everyone was in awe of the entertainments room. An F1 simulator, more terrific art work, a kitchen area designed with a ‘Snap-on’ tool cabinet theme and seating covered in racing overalls. Every corner of the room featured different motorsport artefacts. It truly was an Aladdin’s cave of motoring memorabilia done in a fun way. Such a superb end to our days trip.
So much to see in this hidden gem. (Sadly, visits are by invitation only and it’s whereabouts must remain a secret.) A huge thank you to Ian Gemmell who arranged the visit and also many thanks to Willie who welcomed us to ‘The Best Secret Man cave in Scotland’.
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This years annual Spring Run began at Moffat Woolen Mill, where entrants enjoyed a breakfast roll and refreshments whilst collecting the route directions to Slaley Hall Hotel.
A stop at the Pottery at Bardon Mill broke the journey with an informative tour around the factory and a chance to buy, if you had the car space! It’s the last commercial pottery in Britain that continues to utilise traditional practises. Fabulous garden pots competitively priced and a very enjoyable visit.
Arrival at Slaley Hall Hotel in the afternoon meant members were able to relax and recount the day.
There were a number of variations on the routes taken as unplanned detours occurred, with one unlucky breakdown which ended happily with only a stone in the brake disk. Dinner ended a great start to the event and our first evening.
Day 2
Following breakfast the route to Raby Castle with some stunning views, alas no pictures! The run was just under an hour with tour guides awaiting our arrival.
A cold day with everyone well wrapped at the start of the tour prior to entering the castle.
Once inside all listened carefully to the guide as we moved through some fabulous rooms each with their varied stories, portraits and furniture.
Many stairs linked the different parts of the castle.
Guide Stephen took the first group who were very interested to learn that Lord Barnard had one of the first motorcars in Britain. Stephen had done some research when he heard of our visit. He elucidated the delivery driver was hired as Lord Barnard’s chauffer and went on to work in the post for over 40 years. There was a copy of a wage slip from 1908 for the ‘Motormen’. A 4 week wage was £8 for the driver.
Raby Castle was full of varied rooms and stories. A visit that was enjoyed by all. Some pictures from our tour give an impression of its splendour and interest.
To round off the visit we enjoyed a packed lunch in the servants quarters.
Day 3
This saw many members taking the morning to explore the surrounding area. Some utilised the route instructions to visit the Discovery Museum in Newcastle. A few members met others whilst exploring the quaint historic town of Corbridge. A lovely little town with an abundance of coffee/gift shops and quite a few antique emporiums.
The afternoon was taken up by a choice of activities:
Clay pigeon shooting; Chris Paton, Hugh MacKinnon, Tony Fleming and Gordon Hood took part in the clay pigeon shooting. The final scores showed Chris and Tony equal best on 16 hits so the instructors organised a shoot out based on both guns trying for the same clay, on a ‘first hit wins’ basis. Chris buckled under the pressure missing all four shots with Tony scoring a hit on his fourth to win.
Archery; The rescue of Maid Marion from the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.
Robin Hood (Mid Bruce) and Little John (Charlie Young), complete with bows and arrows were sent off on a quest to rescue Maid Marion from the evil Sheriff. Unfortunately, at this point neither of our two heroes had any idea what Marion looked like!!
However, practice with the Bows and arrows was essential if they were to have any hope of success.
Heading for the range in the forest and despite the totally inclement weather our intrepid heroes took to their task like a duck to water, literally.
Quicker and quicker, the arrows were slotted onto the string and quicker and quicker the arrows flew past their targets!!!
Not a great start!!
However, once Little John put his specs on and Robin started to gauge the correct flight line, things improved, a little!!
Having run out of arrows and having to restring their bows on several occasions, and being soaked to boot, the heroes reluctantly agreed to call of their quest and just allow the evil sheriff should just have his way with Marion, which we are sure suited all concerned.
Thus the story ended. (archery report by Charlie Young)
Quad Biking; Suitably equipped with overalls, wellies, a helmet and gloves, Margaret Smillie, Pat MacKinnon, Hugh MacKinnon, Tom Bicket, Bill Montgomery, Mid Bruce and Chris Paton set off on a quad biking adventure among the extensive grounds of Slayley.
They tackled rough ground, deep puddles and some open land where a good turn of speed could be achieved. Everyone enjoyed the experience with one or two being surprised at the power produced by the 250cc engined quads.
Our Chairman thanked our organisers and members for their camaraderie. All had enjoyed the visit and look forward to doing something new in 2025.
The hotel and route runs were organised by board members Mid Bruce, Meg Sword and Charlie Young. Many thanks for another enjoyable event.
Following the success of his first book “The Scottish Rally Championship 1980 – 1989”, John Fife has released “Murmurs On Mull”, the inside stories from the Tour of Mull Rally 1993 – 2010.
The information in this book was compiled from notes taken and reports written at the time and using copies of unofficial provisional results calculated on the move and official Final Results as produced by the event organisers and are reproduced from the full set of ‘Mull Murmurs’ bulletins as issued on the individual events.
The A5 format paperbacked book is now on sale £20.
This year’s Autumn outing features a trip to “The Best Classic Car Cave in Scotland”
A private collection of classic cars and memobilia owned by Willie Hamilton of “Hamilton Tarmac”.
Starting at the New Lanark Mill Cafe situated in the visitor centre where tea/coffee and a filled roll can be purchased. The 70 mile route will head across to Ayshire using scenic country roads to arrive at Gemmell’s Garden Centre near Stair in time for lunch. A large selection of hot food, soup, sandwiches and cakes will be available.
After lunch we will make our way to Hurlford to visit “The Best Classic Car Cave in Scotland”.
The cost of the outing will be £5 per person to cover administration costs.
The Regulations can be downloaded or printed HERE.
The venue for our two previous gatherings were unable to give us a suitable date for our 2024 Annual Dinner so an alternative has been found at the New Lanark Mill Hotel.
We are pleased to announce our guest speaker this year will be Pat Smith whose Motorsport career began in 1959 and continued until 1975 having been involved in Rallying as a Co-Driver.
Pat competed in 35 International Rallies with mostly female drivers, from the Portugese with Nancy Mitchell in 1959 to the Scottish with Margaret Lowrey in 1975.
She won five Ladies Awards and was a member of the BMC Works Team in 1960 in a 850cc Mini with Tish Ozanne.
She competed in 4 Montes, 3 Tulips, 2 Alpines, 4 RACs and 6 Scottish Rallies ’66, ’69,’70, ’72, ’73 and ’75.
Six successful Economy Runs with Margaret Lowrey.
Pat finished 18th in 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally with Jean Denton in a British Leyland Special Tuning prepared Morris 1800 entered by Woman Magazine.
Pat has now sorted out her World Cup Rally 1970 memorabilia so hopefully we will hear some stories from that grueling event.
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Please use the Entry Form to book your tickets for the Annual Dinner
The Scottish Rally Championship 1980 – 1989 by John Fife.
Ex ‘Motoring News / Motorsport News’ contributor for 50 years (1972-2022) John Fife has written the first of six planned books documenting the history of the national Scottish Rally Championship. What started as a single volume history during lockdown quickly evolved into a series of six books – one for each decade since 1960.
As John explained: “I simply couldn’t fit everything into one book, so it had to be six, and even now I’m still having to leave out information and stories. Who knows, there may yet be a seventh book containing all the scandalous bits left out! By that time I’ll be past caring getting sued anyway!!”
The first book covers the decade 1980-1989 simply because John has kept complete records since then with work already having started on the next book, covering the 1990-1999 period.
Sadly no one person, club or championship has kept complete records since the sport of stage rallying began in 1961 hence John’s current search for sets of rally results from the 1960s and 1970s. So if anyone has a pile of old rallying paperwork in the loft that are not completely mouse eaten, John may well be interested.
The first A4 format hardbacked book is now on sale with 216 pages and over 350 photographs at £35 or £40 incl P&P.
Click on the image below to order your copy.
The book wasn’t designed to be read from cover to cover, although some ardent fans may do that, but rather something to be dipped into as and when the need for a trip down memory lane arose. On the other hand some readers may turn only to the reports of those events in which they participated.
Of course there are now various internet sources which store rally results from the past, but that’s a bit like reading the last page of a thriller to see ‘who dunnit’ and missing out on the story of how the heroes and heroines got there. One other important aspect, the results as recorded in this book are accurate, unlike some website information – because the author was there, in person!