Classic cars were a big draw at festival in Perthshire

Car lovers got into top gear as they made their way to the recent Perthshire Classic Car Festival.

This was a spectacular two-day event organised by the Rotary Club of Blairgowrie raising money for Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer Scotland and 10% going to Rotary Foundation.

They began with the Perth City classic car parade, in which 130 iconic classic and vintage cars were displayed from 10am-12.30pm in Tay Street, Perth, which was closed for the event.

At 12.30pm the cars set off to return to Scone Palace to join the other 300 Club and Display cars already there, where thousands of people enjoyed this unique spectacle.

HRH Prince Michael of Kent along with other dignitaries took the salute as the cars drove up the High Street with Brigadier Alasdair Hutton, of Edinburgh Tattoo fame, providing a very interesting commentary on each car.

There were 350 cars at Scone Palace

The first car to enter the parade was a 1912 Model T Ford the same model as the very first Perth town car with the number ES1 displayed. It stopped at the dais and the Lord and Lady Provost in Period Costume took their places in the back of the car driven by the owner Leslie Coull.

The parade cars then followed in year order driving up George Street and over Smeaton’s Bridge preceded by the High Constables of Perth carrying a Red Flag. This drew attention to a sign dating from 1879 on a shop wall at the end of the bridge which states you could not cross without a red flag being placed at both ends of bridge.

The Scone Palace Classic Car Show took place in the grounds of Scone Palace where, as well as the vehicles from the parade and car clubs across Scotland, vehicles from Ecurie Ecosse, Elgin Motor Museum, Knockhill, Morris Leslie Auctions, Jaguar Heritage, Military vehicles and Motor Cycles were on display.

A Red Flag parade over Smeaton’s Bridge

Blairgowrie Pipe Band, Perthshire Brass, a Pit Special aerobatics display provided entertainment.

Thousands of people enjoyed a spectacular day in warm sunshine.

Then, Drive it Day Blairgowrie saw 80 cars of all ages set off from Blairgowrie Golf Club for a 160 mile drive. Car No.1 a Jaguar XK120 owned by Colin Stewart and driven by HRH Prince Michael of Kent with Colin (chairman of Festival organising committee) navigating led the way through Blairgowrie.

Cars proceeded through the Wellmeadow, Glenshee and Braemar driving part of the new ‘Snow Road’ to Raemoir House Hotel for a lunch stop. Cars returned to Perthshire via Cairn n’Mount where participants had high tea in Scone Palace.

80 cars at gathered at Raemoir House Hotel in Banchory on Drive it Day

Prince Michael of Kent had a wonderful time and enjoyed the Scottish Scenery and driving the iconic Jaguar XK120. He praised the excellent organisation and the perfect route which was organised by the Rotary Club of Blairgowrie.

The two day festival has raised over £25,000 for the charities.

Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, part of Rotary International, has 1800 clubs and more than 51,000 members. Rotary clubs are open to men and women of all ages who are business, professional or community leaders and who want to use their experience for the benefit of others.