Sunbeams with the VCC in Scotland
Three 12/16 Sunbeams participated in the Veteran Car Club’s Scottish rally in September 2024, based out of Montrose. Routes were organised on four of the five days of the rally, with the theme of ‘Castles and Glens’. And whilst points south were enjoying more than their normal allocation of rainfall, the east coast of Scotland remained mercifully dry, other than the odd shower. So the magnificent scenery along the coast and into the foothills of the Cairngorms was enjoyed by all. Driving the roads of this part of rural Scotland, compared with West Sussex, was a complete joy: hardly any cars and just the occasional tractor bringing in the last of the harvest to contend with. The drive up Glen Clova for lunch was majestic, as was the coastal route past Lunan beach, where salmon fishing with nets between tides is still practised.
On our ‘day off’, and in the quest to tick off further castles, Clive and I visited Crathes, actually more of a fortified house, close to the river Dee and Banchory. Owned by the National Trust for Scotland, we were pleased to find our English National Trust membership carried across to this historic property, where the walled gardens were worth a visit in their own right.
Then back across the Cairngorms, where 16% ascents required first gear on a couple of occasions.
The photo below shows the three Sunbeams taking part with, left to right, Elinor Boothman (husband Clive not shown), Martyn Hudson (wife Helen not shown) and Adam Ward (wife Jane not shown) pictured at the Arbikie distillery (Whisky & Gin so all tastes catered for). The Sunbeams shared company with Napiers, model ‘T’ Fords, Argyll, Renault, Mors, Wolseley, Cadillac, Renault, Austin, Dodge, Bianchi and Singer, all dating from the Edwardian period.
All three Sunbeams performed well for the entirety of the rally except for the last day when the Boothman’s car suffered a ‘high speed’ blow out (puncture) – well 40 mph at least! But the wheel was soon replaced with one of the two spares carried. The rally and routes were brilliantly organised by James Gray – Chairman of the VCC Scottish section – and his team, so our thanks to them for showing us this beautiful part of the country.