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Scotland is famed for its hospitality, for its sublime scenery, and for roads that are perfect for classic rallying. As in previous years we have a day's break for rest and relaxation at Talisker - Skye's only distillery, where the famous malt has been made since 1830. Our six-day route offers motoring competition that's as needle-sharp as you want to make it: beginners quickly get into the swing, thanks to pre-event tuition, while more experienced crews find plenty to occupy them. Regularity sections and varied driving tests, many at historic castles or on distillery property, ensure there's never a dull moment. But no section of this event should prove too demanding, even for older and more precious machinery.
Gold, Silver and Bronze medals are awarded to crews who do well against the standard set for cars in their own class: there is no outright winner on HERO events. The Classic Malts' most coveted award is the Talisker Trophy, going to the best team of three cars. The entry list is divided into six age categories: Vintage (1919 - 1930), Post- Vintage (1931 - 1940), Wartime and Post-war (1941 - 52). Fifties (1953-59), Sixties (1960 - 67), and Post Historic (1968 - 1974). As is customary for the Classic Malts, the entry fee for a car and crew of two people offers excellent value for money, using the best hotels available - though note that these may be quite homely in the smaller places we stay. Your fee this year includes:
Supplements apply for single room accommodation and for additional crew members. To enter: return the advance application form with your deposit and we will mail you the full entry form and regulations. The main entry form should be returned to HERO with the full fee. RO U T E O U T L I N E
Sunday 12th May: The Trossachs and Argyll Taking early leave from Edinburgh Castle we head north via Scotlands only race circuit at Knockhill. We meander through the Trossachs, via the famous old hillclimb at Rest and Be Thankful. Then we join the traditional route north for Argyll and the Southern Highlands. Our overnight halt offers the chance to visit Oban distillery.
Tuesday 14th May: Skye Rest Day Our rest day is taken at Talisker, with plenty of entertaining activities laid on. In the evening, we have the famous Talisker ceilidh - traditional Gaelic party - with buffet supper, music, dancing and plenty of whisky, before the coach arrives for your hotel. Wednesday 15th May: Islands and Passes After taking in more of Skye we travel north via Plockton (home of the Hamish MacBeth TV series). Then we take wild mountain roads such as the impressive Pass of the Cattle. We pass Loch Maree, pushing ever northwards to picturesque Ullapool. Thursday 16th May: To the top and back Today we follow what is arguably Europe's most rugged, spectacular coastline. We'll enjoy tiny roads on clifftops overlooking the stunning sandy beaches of the Summer Isles, and take lunch overlooking the north Atlantic Ocean. Then through the barren Northern Highlands, finishing with a test on the east coast at Little Ferry kart circuit. Overnight in accommodation scattered around Golspie and Brora. Friday 17th May: Dornoch, Great Glen and Speyside Another turn or two around Little Ferry, then it's Dornoch Firth to the Great Glen and the Loch Ness Monster regularity. The day ends with tests at some of the great distilleries of Strathspey including a visit to Cragganmore. Overnight at Aviemore.
Sunday 19th May Massed Gathering of cars, prizegiving and farewell lunch at Hopetoun House, Scotland's finest stately home. Route outline is provisional and subject to change HERO the Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation Photos John Brown/Mike Johnson. CLASSIC MALTS and the Quaich Device are trademarks. |
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Join us for the Classic Malts Scottish Reliability Trial, and you'll find yourself in the best of company. 2002 will be the Malts' fifth annual running, with a record of attracting cars as diverse as vintage Bentleys and Alvises, works racing and rally cars of the 50s, the most modest of British family saloons, powerful and elegant Ferraris. But no matter what the car, drivers and navigators are full of praise for this 1,300 mile competitive journey through Scotland. It's a truly international event: crews came from as far afield as the USA and Uruguay in 2001.
From our Edinburgh start, this year we head for the Trossachs - new territory for the Malts rally - before reaching Argyl, the Southern Highlands and Oban - the first overnight halt on our route to and from the lovely isle of Skye. By now, the tone will have been set for the rest of the week's rallying - and crews who promised themselves they weren't going to take life too seriously may already have discovered a serious competitive streak.
Saturday 11th May: Documentation and scrutineering at charming Glenkinchie distillery, followed by a practice run through the countryside near Edinburgh and a sample driving test. In the evening, we have a welcome dinner and stay overnight in Scotland's capital city.
Monday 13th May: Over the sea to Skye Tests and regularity sections come thick and fast around the mountains and glens of the Western Highlands as we take the road for Skye. After passing the site of the great massacre of Glen Coe and skirting Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, we head for Eilean Donan Castle and cross the new bridge to Skye. The day ends with a test at Talisker distillery.
Saturday 18th May: The finale Our final day kicks off with a test at Dalwhinnie distillery, followed by yet more spectacular scenery and competition. We head deep into the mountains for another test at Kenknock in Glen Lyon and then it's regularities all the way to a ceremonial finish near Edinburgh. Our sponsors, Classic Malts of Scotland, promise an unforgettable final evening in their now-accustomed style.