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                Briefing at Gretna

         Lancia ready for the off

            Winding empty roads

                  Country Roads

                      Spitfires

                 Norwegian TR7

             Pennan Phone Box

                 Vitesse at finish
Graeme Gallaoway's Anglia
La Carrera Caledonia - 7th / 8th June 2008
Report by Jim Paterson. Photos & Video John Tulloch
 

It seems cyclical with La Carrera. If we get dry and sunny one year its going to be wet the next, or so it has been for the past four events. This year was one of the sunnier events, enjoyed by some 40 entries, two crews from Norway, once again starting at Gretna Green.

The trip to Aviemore took the crews through some of the best roads of the Scottish borders. From Gretna the route headed for the reservoirs at Cappercleuch, Meggat and that superb view as you decend to Talla. Through the pretty village of Broughton and across to Biggar before heading west to Kilsyth and the famous "Tak Ma Doon" road. The road to Kippen through the Carron Valley Forest is one of the best roads in the west, taking the cars and crews to Killin via Calander and Lochearnhead. Turning to Bridge of Balgie and Glen Lyon is a trip through a forgotten era, almost lost to modern day traffic, reaching Aberfeldy and a run to the overnight halt at Perth.

For those wanting more than propping up the bar, a Gymkhana out at Chapel bank on the old A9 was on hand. before retiring and gathering strength for the next leg on Sunday.

Heading north from Perth to the route headed for Blairgowrie and north through Glen Shee to Braemar and Balmoral. Not sure if anyone dropped in for tea with the Royals, but the rest kept going to Cockbridge for a run across the famous Tomintoul road. No snow this year fortunately!

Nearly home I hear you say, but not yet. A sharp right takes the rally to Dufftown, Rhynie and Huntly and north east toward Pennan near Banff. Made famous in the film Local Hero, with the phone box being an important part of the story. But it was back through Banff, Keith, Dufftown and on towards the regular finish at Coylumbridge where the presentation of a quality souvenir to each crew is now a well known feature of the event. A good party to finish before Monday morning and the long trek back south, with grand memories of a fine route once again from organiser Jim McGuiness.

I hear there will be a 2009 event. Lets hope the bogey is broken and the sun shines next year. Whatever the weather you can expect another fine route around Scotland in June.

John Tulloch put together a montage of pictures of the event.

 

 

 

 

Updated 12 June 2008
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