Due to the demise of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club premises in Blythswood Square, we were obliged to seek a suitable venue for our second reunion. Following the success of 2001, it had to be somewhere large enough to accommodate the expected number, not too expensive and central enough for people to get to without too much travelling. After a great deal of research we settled on the Glynhill Hotel, Paisley – it was close to Glasgow Airport and just off the M8, and in addition, we had heard of good reports regarding its food and service.
As it turned out both were excellent! Following the 2001 event, the 2005 Reunion was to be run in a similar fashion. ASR’s were issued to members and the organising committee would be the same as in 2001. Entrants were divided into Classes dependent on when they had first started in the sport, and everyone was given a competition number, for use in the photographic identification competition, the latter to be held during Reception. At the end of the day, we received 151 entrants who together with partners which gave a total attendance of 230! We also received apologies from many members who couldn’t manage along.
Prior to the evening’s festivities, a special meeting of members was held to decide the future of the “Veterans of Scottish Motor Sport”. At this meeting, it was decided unanimously, that to ensure the future of the group, and as none of us was getting any younger, we should form a proper association, and to put it on a more secure footing it should be registered as a Company with Company House.
Fortunately, Renault UK had agreed to help with a donation towards the event and we were delighted to welcome Mandy Hopkins of the Renault PR department on the night. Also amongst those guests present were Sir Jackie Stewart, Paddy Hopkirk and Andrew Cowan. Hamish Wilson had arranged for a Veteran Renault to be available which was put on display within the foyer, and which caused great interest, especially to our younger members.
At Documentation, a Programme and lapel badges were issued by the “Scrutineer Ladies” to all the entrants. TheProgrammecontained a “Route Card” giving a schedule for the evening. After the Documentation, everyone was directed to the reception area where, in addition to pre-dinner refreshments, Alan Carlaw had laid out the Photograph Recognition Competition. This caused considerable scratching of scalps and a bit of “looking over shoulders”! However, it was all taken in good spirit and very soon it was very difficult to converse due to the chat and laughter as members tried to solve the puzzles! Soon it was into dinner. Between courses, we were entertained by Jimmy McInnes with his microphone doing the rounds of tables, and doing impromptu interviews with members and guests. Towards the end of the meal, it was JYS turn to speak – he quickly gave McInnes a red face by recounting their past mutual exploits. JYS then dragged Paddy Hopkirk on to the floor where they both gave a very entertaining double act! All in all, it was felt that this reunion was every bit as good as the first one – and should certainly be repeated.
Just a few pics were taken during and after dinner
The following were some of the veteran competitors who were unable to start due to varying reasons – mechanical problems, other events, compelling domestic reasons, etc, etc.
However, all tendered their apologies and most hoped to be able to compete in any future events!
Roy Allingham, Motherwell
” I decided to give this one a miss.”
Stuart Allister, Lauder
” I will be on holiday.”
Sandy Angus, Carluke
” Please accept my apologies for the Reunion which I hope will be a great success.”
Ian Barr, Dundee
” I am unable to attend.”
David Bertram, Edinburgh
” Unfortunately unable to come to what I am sure will be a splendid event.”
Tom Bicket, Kilmarnock
” I will be mmotorcycling in Orkney at the time!”
Ian Birrell, Helensburgh
” I will be sailing in Crotia at the time!”
Stella Boyles, Garsington
” Sorting out my new business – I am just not going to make this event so please do give my apologies and best wishes to all to have a successful evening. Please keep me informed of subsequent Veterans evenings so that I can put in my diary and keep sacrosanct.”
David Brown, Carluke
” I will be on holiday.”
Mid Bruce, Annbank
” I am Organising Stoneleigh Kit Car Show that weekend.”
Dominic Buckley, Kelso
” I’m sorry that the event clashes with work again this year, and I won’t be able to attend. This is very disappointing as it would be quite interesting – to say the least – to catch up with all “the veterans”. Hopefully next time.”
Tom Clark, Bridge of Weir
” Elizabeth and I unfortunately will not be able to attend since we have already arranged to be away from home at a special birthday party. We both would very much have enjoyed being there on the night, however, it is not possible. Allow me to wish you all an enjoyable successful evening at the Glynhill.”
Gordon Clarke, Giffnock
” Another engagement at the time.”
Tom Coffield, Jnr, Callander
” I regret I will be out of the country during the time of this year’s event. Could you keep my details on file.”
Ian Coutts, Edinburgh
” As I will be abroad at the time! Keep me on the list.”
Bobby Crawford, Milnathorpe
” He and Wink are recovering from a serious car crash.”
Alan Douglas, Glasgow
” Sorry to be missing it. Will be on holiday that weekend.”
The Earl of Elgin & Kincardine, Dunfermline
” …wonderful sounding get-together.. Alas, I am tied up at the end of April and will not be able to join you, but please accept my very best wishes.”
Mick Fenwick, Biggar
” I will be Stewarding at Ingliston that day!”
The Earl of Elgin & Kincardine, Dunfermline
” Otherwise engaged that date.”
Grant Fleming, Uddingston
” Unfortunately I can’t manage!”
Heather Fleming, Cheltenham
” Sorry, unable to attend – have a great day!”
Andrew Fletcher, Pencaitland
” My regrets, I am unable to attend. Do have a good meeting.”
Iain Flett, Larbert
” Regret to register a DNS as racing Formula Junior Historic at Donington Park that weekend. John Fyda is racing my Lotus 22!”
Nigel Gibb, Glasgow
” Unable to attend.”
Gordon Hastie, Torbex
” Unfortunately, family commitments that weekend.”
Bill Henderson, Falkirk
” I will be attending a Wedding that day in Galway!”
Colin Hope, Helensburgh
” Unable to come due to family illness.”
Marion Hopkins, Airdrie
” I will be the Competition Secy. of Monklands Sporting CC’s Forrestburn Hillclimb on 1st May”
Jim Ironside, Bearsden
” Sorry, will not manage. Best wishes for a successful event.”
Peter Jeffrey, Dunrobin, Ontario
” Unfortunately I will not be able to attend – we are in the middle of moving to Vancouver Island. I know that Charlie Bruce Miller will be coming down from Aberdeen and I hope my brother Martin will also be able to attend. I know that it will be a memorable evening.”
Douglas Keenan, Lochwinnoch
” Hopefully I can manage the next one!”
Kenneth Le May, Paisley
” Unable to manage”
Graham Lees, Lendalfoot ” Unfortunately or should it be fortunately we will be in Bath at the end of April for our son’s wedding. Maybe it will be third time lucky – for us to get to the reunion that is. Our very best wishes for another successful reunion.”
Tom Legget, Kilwinning
” Unfortunately I will be unable to attend.”
Bobbie Longmuir, Portugal
” Living in Portugal now.”
Jonathan Lord, Paisley
” Don’t think I’m going to manage this time, but have a great evening.”
Margaret Lowrey (Mackenzie), Winslow
” Much as I would enjoy renewing auld acquaintances, Joe does not go too far afield these days. It would have been nice to see Arlene and Co. and the gang ( I know diminishing, from the 55) again. Remember me to Andrew Cowan, I hope the Imp is enjoying its new master on the road now. Best wishes for a successful occasion, Yours in spirit.”
Tony Luck, Perth
” Unwell for months – so won’t manage this one. Hopefully the next one.”
Rab & Sheila McDonald, Lasswade
” Unfortunately we will not be able to enter this time as we are away on Motorsport Business. I trust you all will have a great night. Next time I will look forward to a entry form as usual. Have a good night.”
Robert McKenzie, Barrhead
” Will be abroad at the time.”
Colin McNae, East Kilbride
” At a wedding that day.”
Duncan & Dorothy McPherson, Newton Mearns
” We will be unable to be with you at the reunion. Duncan is now blind and walks with great difficulty. Our good wishes for another successful event.”
Ian McRae, Gartcosh
” Not for me this year?”
Bill Millar, Glasgow
” Other commitments at that time.”
Jock Millar, Drumclog
” Involved in Monklands Sporting MC’s Hill Climb on 1st May!!”
Hector Monro, Lockerbie
” I am sorry I will not be at your Veterans weekend. It is just too complicated and my arthritis makes at quite a trial to drive a 3/4/2 Bentley! Getting in is OK, but getting out is not! I am sure you will have great fun and I wish I were there to meet old friends. Good luck.
Hector, The Rt Hon Lord Monro of Langholm AE DL”
Ronnie Morrison, Helensburgh
” Can’t manage.”
Sandy Morrison, Stirling
” Helen and I will be on holiday abroad at the time.”
Ian Muir, Glasgow
” on holiday”
Iain Mungall, Cupar
” Thank you for the invitation. Sadly I’m not going to be able to attend. I have been trying to rearrange a prior family arrangement. But unfortunately, the date could not be changed. I hope you all have a good time and I’m sure that if it is anything like the last one it will be a big success.”
Euan Murray, Edinburgh
” Unable to attend on 30th April – best wishes”
Charles Nichol, Newquay
” Sorry but D Keenan and I will now not be able to make it. Hopefully, we can arrange it for the next one”
George Parker, Bourne End
” Regrettably planning for the yet another Lion’s Tour, this time in New Zealand, which prevents me from joining you all! Have a great time.”
Wilson Paton, East Kilbride
” Will be in Texas on business at that time.”
Peter Rae, Balerno
” Regret I shall be away on the 30th April – wish you every success.”
George Sangster, Montrose
” Have to go to a wedding!!?”
Ian Scott-Watson, Greenlaw
” Not going to be able to attend. Best wishes for a successful event.”
John Semple, Giffnock
” on holiday”
Jimmy Sime, Paisley
” Unfortunately will be at Thruxton that weekend of the 30th so I will not be able to attend. Hopefully, the next reunion will be at a time I can attend.”
Douglas Steedman, Bothwell
” Unfortunately on 30th April, I am unable to attend. I very much enjoyed the previous “get-together”. Where have all the years gone? — I’m sure you all will have a most successful day. Regards to all”
David Stevenson, Glasgow
” On a holiday that weekend.”
Ian Stewart, Crieff
” Love to come but unable to cope with such late nights”
Ken Strachan, Cupar
” Have a prior engagement that day.”
Ian Sutherland, Leven
” Please give my apologies for absence.”
Bill Syer, Dunfermline
” I will be in Spain at that time.”
Tim Thomson, Skipton
” Giving away niece at her wedding in Sydney!”
George Topp, Lanark
” Other commitments that weekend, unfortunately!”
Neil Turner, Glasgow
” I will not be present at this year’s reunion. I trust the evening will be a great success although only graced by the presence of lesser celebs than myself !”
Brian & Carol Wilkinson, Kincardine
” On holiday”
Malcolm Wilson, Cockermouth
” Unfortunately I will be in Sardinia for the 5th round of WRC on this date, so will be unable to attend. Despite this, I would like to wish everyone an enjoyable event.”
Malcolm Wishart, Glasgow
” Competing at British National round at Prescott.”
Dan Wright, Dalry
” I can’t make it this time but please keep me on the list for the next one.”
Photographic Identification Competition – see how you get on
Answers below
Here are the answers to the quiz.
Q1 – Jowett Javlin on the Bo’ness Hill Climb.
Q2 – Rest and Be Thankful Hill Climb.
Q3 – Boyd Tunnock on the Bo’ness Hill Climb.
Q4 – St Andrew’s beach.
Q5 – Chrissy and Andy Neil. Start of Monte Carlo Rally.
Q6 – ACE Plates
Q7 – A Messerschmitt car.
Q8 – Peter Hughes and David Murray.
Q9 – RSAC Veteran Run. Eric Dymock.
Q10 – Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino
Q11 – The winning drivers in the 1956 Le Mans were Ron Flockhart and Ninian Sanderson. The picture shows Ron in the dark shirt, Ninian in the white shirt with David Murray on the right and Wilkie Wilkinson in his white overalls (hand partially raised) on the left.
Q12 – Logie Hill north of Stirling.
Q13 – 1957 Le Mans. Winning car driven by Ron Flockhart and Ivor Bueb, followed home by a second placed car driven by Ninian Sanderson and John Lawrence, all in ‘D’ Type Jaguars.
Q14 – Windscreen motor.
Q15 – Ninian Paterson and navigator Jimmy Brown.
Q16 – Brig Morris and Allard
Q17 – The Top Gear journalist, the late Alistair Ford
Following the decision to hold a get-together of our old friends in motorsport it was decided that it would have to be done properly and be held somewhere that would encourage fellow “veterans” to come along. There was no question that the Royal Scottish Automobile Club building in Glasgow would be ideal, if available. The RSAC had not just been the controlling body for Scottish Motor Sport but the building did hold many happy memories for a lot of veterans – sporting events as well as social occasions. Fortunately, it was available, and as it turned out our Reunion was probably the last major motorsport event to be held there before the building regrettably had to be sold. This was to be our first venture into the Reunion business. A major task facing us was getting in touch with the many people who had been involved in motorsport in the previous 40 to 50 years. There were probably very few people still involved who had started their motorsport career more than 25 years ago, so it was decided that 25 years was a reasonable “cut off” point to ask people who had been involved before that if they were willing to come along. Getting addresses was a long and complex process but was eventually done mainly by word of mouth. The “organisers” (Jimmy McInnes, Alan Carlaw, Stuart Parker, and their wives Arlene, Audrey and Mairi) all came primarily from a rallying background, although Jimmy did have racing connections. We were very conscious that we had to seek out people from all branches of the sport – not just rally people. As it turned out we were able to amass well over 400 addresses of people to had taken part in the sport in one capacity or another! Invitations were sent not just to Scottish participants, but many were sent to other parts of the world! It was very obvious from the start from the number of letters and emails we received that we had engendered a great deal of interest in our proposed venture. To add interest and hopefully a bit of competition to the event, the invitations took the form ofASR’s We suggested that people, if they wished, could bring along memorabilia to display. Both Mitsubishi Ralliart and Ford UK kindly offered financial assistance which helped considerably to keep costs down. At the end of the day, we were delighted to sign-in 221 veterans for the event plus partners. Entrants were divided into Classes according to when they had been involved. We did receive many letters and emails of congratulations for our effort in trying to run such an event. All in all 260 attended the Reunion! In addition, we received many apologies from Non-Starters. However, we were delighted to welcome many well-known competitors including Andrew Cowan, Jimmy McRae, John Cleland to mention only three. We were also pleased to welcome several representatives from Ford UK.
Moira Cameron, Audrey Carlaw, Arlene McInnes and Mairi Parker were in charge of Documentation in the RSAC. foyer, where signing-on took place. Members were issued with name badges, final instructions and a “Who’s Who” booklet of entrants together with their motorsport history, which each had been asked to submit with their Entry Form. Alan Carlaw’s photographic quiz caused a fair bit of head-scratching – some of the images were of considerable age! Many entrants just gave up and got on with the main business of the evening – meeting up with old competitors, or sharing a glass or three with friends.
The Documentation Team
Although we had a ‘schedule for the evening’ it was very soon abandoned – everyone was too busy reminiscingMany drifted to other parts of the building where things were a bit quieter and other activities such as the Ford Rally simulator could be enjoyed. The Programme contained the schedule for the evening together with a list of Starters, Classesand apologies. Also attached are a few emails and letters of interest to view. Entrants were directed upstairs to the reception in the Regent Lounge, there, people like Kenneth Fraser had set up tables with displays of their motor sporting experiences; a large screen showed many films of past races and rallies, including Bobby Crawford’s own cine-films with Bob’s commentary, which produced a fair amount of merriment!
Mairi Parker having a go on the simulator – and did very well!
Ford had kindly brought along their rally simulator which caused much interest and excitement for those willing to try their skills. Andy Watson was in charge of collecting the entry fee (at £2 a run). It was quickly obvious to the veteran drivers that experience with computer simulators would have been a great help. However, James Rae showed that he had lost none of his rallying skills and easily took the winners award. A magnificent glass encased Model- Ford replica (donated by Ford UK) was presented to James Rae by Andrew Cowan and Jimmy McRae. James was heard to remark to Jimmy McRae “Let Colin know that this was what I have been reduced to now – rallying on a simulator!” Back to top of this Article
Andy Watson who was in charge of the simulator, showing how it should be done.The Model T given by Ford UK presented to Jimmy McRae as the winner on their simulator.
Eventually, everyone moved downstairs to the main dining area where a buffet supper had been provided. Towards the end of the meal Clerk of the Course, Jimmy McInnes, at last, welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming to the first Scottish Veterans Reunion. He hoped that they had found it, not just enjoyable, but a worthwhile experience which perhaps was worth repeating. Judging by the applause Jimmy received this thought was well received! Equally, loud applause greeted the late Nigel Kennedy when he went up to collect from Jimmy his prize for being the way-out winner of the Photographic Competition.
An unusually serious Jimmy McInnes welcoming all to what would be our very first Reunion.
Jimmy thanked those who had contributed to the success of the evening : Alan Carlaw for the production of the programme and the photographic quiz : those who had donated films and display memorablia : Mitsubishi Ralliart for financial support : Ford UK, not just for providing their RallySimulator and the magnificent Model T-Ford trophy, but also for their financial assistance : thanks were due also to the other programme advertisers – First Ford of Glasgow, Arnold Clark, Morrisons Garages Stirling, Tunnocks, Sandy McCracken & Son Ltd., Reliable Vehicles Limited, Ian Skelly and Westcars: and last but not least, the backroom “staff” who made the whole thing come to fruition.
Jimmy McInnes addressing the company. Jimmy McRae standing on his right
After supper people continued to talk and talk; a few still tried their hand at the simulator – but eventually, we all drifted off home having enjoyed a most memorable evening.
Footnote: After the dust had settled and sums had been added up, we found we had had a surplus which, along with the money from the simulator entries, enabled us to donate £475 to the Red Cross.
19.30 – 23.30 Video Show in Regent Lounge (upstairs)
20.00 – 22.00 Buffet
22.30 Prizegiving, in Regent Room
23.30 Parc Ferme opens for release of Zimmers, Wheelchairs, white sticks, etc.
Ford Half Buck Simulator Competition
Entry to this Competition, which is separate from the main event, is by donation of £2 per ‘drive’, the proceed of which will go to a local Charity. This competition will run throughout the evening. A prize, donated by Ford Motor Company who kindly provide the Simulator, will be awarded to the lucky (?) winner.
2001 ASRs
Entrants and Classes
……..Couldn’t Manage
We received a number of apologies to the ‘Invitation’ we sent out to ‘Veterans’ of Scottish Motor Sport. Below are some we received. Most have had had previous engagements such as holidays or were unable to come for other reasons. Virtually all expressed their regret in not being able to attend, but wished every success for the evening.
Ian Birrell, Helensburgh
Jenny Birrell, Shalstone, Bucks
Graham Bisset, Kincardine
Bill Borrowman, Edinburgh
Arnold Clark, Glasgow
Bill Clarkson, Balfron
Geoff Duncan, Bridge of Weir
Barry Filer, Glasgow
Graham Gauld, Claviers, France
Sandy Gentles, Perth
Ian Hawthorn, Uplawmoor
Colin Hope, Helensburgh
Ian Hutchison, Newton Mearns
Frank Inglis, Largs
Tony Luck, Perth
Alan Lundholm, Torrance
Hugh McCaig, Penicuik
George McCartney, Motherwell
Gray Mickel, Moscow, Ayrshire
Bill Millar, Glasgow
Tony Mitchell, Strathaven
Ian D. Muir, County Clare, Eire
Andy Munn, Glasgow
Mervyn Nicol, Perth
Ian Preston, Clarkston
George Ritchie, Newton Mearns
Ian Stewart, Crieff
Jackie Stewart,O.B.E., Milton Keynes
David Thomson, Duns
Gerry Ward, Kilmacolm
A few quotes from emails and letters received
‘What a shame that we now qualify for the Veterans Tag!…….
………………… Graham Lees, Lendelfoot
‘……a good idea to reminisce about Motor Sport when it was a Sport and not big business. I couldn’t afford a trailer and tow car when I was rallying!!!!’
………………………Fred Hibberd, Dundee
‘………..good idea to have such a reunion before we Old Boys pop off’
…………Ronnie Dalgleish, Auchterarder
‘make sure there is parking space for my zimmer, that the name tags are in 48pt type!” type!’ ………………...Wendy Jones, Edinburgh
‘……….. most prestigious event of the Motor Sport Calendar’
……………….. Alex Houliston, Barrhead
‘What a splendid idea! Almost respectability at last!!’
……………………...Ian Smillie, Milngavie
‘………McInnes will remember the night in North Berwick or was it Dunbar, when Ella helped to debag Jimmy!!’
…………… Bobby Crawford, Milnathorp
‘……………….a blast from the past, on any scale!!’
……………….Willie Crawford, Lasswade
‘…..have a mega evening; my regards to anyone who remembers the ‘Good’ years in Scottish Motorsport and my antics!!!’
………………Jenny Birrell, Shalstone, Bucks
‘What a great idea………..could be the best event in the 2001 calendar’
……………..George Sangster, Montrose
‘Club events were good fun in those days, with a light-hearted approach to motor sport generally, apart from the occasional back-biting! Alas how things have changed…… recent Silverstone vs Brands Hatch drama certainly taught me a thing or two. In contrast your reunion will be a landmark of sanity, and I wish you well with it.’
………………………...Ian Stewart, Crieff
‘………getting my lightweight, racing zimmer ready for scrutineering!’
………………………Donald Brown, Cults
‘……..Less of the Veterans Please. Look forward to a good night’
……………………John Cleland, Melrose
‘Reading the names alone has raised nostalgic memories – Oh Happy Days’
……………………..Andy Munn, Glasgow
‘great idea…….look forward to an evening of hilarity and boasting.’
………………….Fred Lobnitz, Stewarton
Reunions
