It has now been confirmed that the First Minister of Scotland, Rt Hon Alex Salmond will wave off the first ten cars at the inaugural RACMSA Rally of Scotland, 19th-21st November. The rally starts officially at the historic site of Scone Palace on Thursday 19th and will conclude with a spectacular Ceremonial Finish at Stirling Castle on Saturday 21st, a fitting celebration for the exciting final of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) series.
Unlike other motorsport events, this is the first time that so many prestigious historic locations have been incorporated into the final of an international series, which is sure to excite and attract spectators. Scone Palace is the historical home of the Stone of Destiny - upon which Scottish kings and queens were crowned. What’s more, it is the first time that some of the greatest international rally drivers have been allowed to drive competitively within the grounds of the Palace. Other landmark locations on the 500 mile route include Stirling Castle and Blair Castle.
At the Ceremonial Start, there will also be an autograph signing session with the top ten drivers and their co-drivers, allowing fans to get up close to their favourites and have their rally memorabilia signed. Among the top-class names from the world of rallying, spectators will see recently crowned IRC Champion, Kris Meeke, Scottish Rally Champion David Bogie and Alistair McRae who will be making his homecoming to Scotland from Australia, where he now lives.
The traditional champagne ceremony will mark the end of the rally on Saturday 21st and will take place at the Ceremonial Finish at the majestic Stirling Castle. Spectators will be able to attend free of charge and can look forward to an afternoon of entertainment, including a large screen showing Eurosport footage of the live Saturday stage and commentaries and interviews as the drivers parade over the finish ramp.
To make life easier for those in attendance and to ensure that no action is missed, there will be a free park & ride service from Castleview to Stirling Castle Esplanade on Saturday 21st, running approximately every 15 to 20 minutes. All spectators are advised to use this service as there is no parking at the Castle.
Andrew Coe, chief executive of event organiser International Motor Sports Limited (IMS), commented: “There’s so much planned across the three days of the Rally of Scotland and the excitement is really building for this the first event. We have worked to ensure that even those who haven’t got tickets to the Ceremonial Start and special stages can still soak up the rally atmosphere free of charge. We’re looking forward to welcoming some of the world’s greatest drivers, media and fans to enjoy everything the rally has to offer.”
Stirling Service Park, open Thursday 19th - Saturday 21st, will be based in the centre of the town, and is free of charge for all spectators. Fans will be able to get right in the hub of all the action and enjoy the buzz of activity as the rally cars are refuelled and repaired.
To keep up to date with news and information about the Rally of Scotland, visit rallyofscotland.com. Tickets are available now and can be purchased by calling 0844 847 2488. Please note tickets purchased after 9am on Thursday 12th November will need to be picked up in person from the event ticket office in Stirling Service Park.
