PICTURES: New sports car club formed to bring like-minded enthusiasts together
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WITH the hood down and the spectacular scenery stretching out in front, there is nothing quite like driving a sports car in the Highlands, according to members of a newly formed club.
The Beauly Sports Car Club has been created to bring like-minded enthusiasts together to share their experiences and knowledge.
And while it may be a fledgling organisation and coronavirus restrictions have put a temporary halt to meetings and outings, it has attracted members who, between them, have an impressive array of head-turning sleek vehicles including a Lotus Elise, a Porsche Boxster and a Jaguar F-type.
Although they share a passion for driving sports cars, they are keen to dispel any notion that they are speed merchants and boy racers – two of the members are in their 80s and there are also fathers and sons.
The club was set up by Beauly resident Gil Graham, who owns a BMW Z4.
“I am late in life in getting a sports car but I love it,” said Mr Graham, a joiner and contractor.
“It is a totally differently driving experience – you have the hood down and it is the noise and the smell, too.
“They are meant to be driven.”
When out on the area’s roads, he has often noticed other sports cars and decided there was potential to form a club.
“It is about getting together with like-minded people and sharing stories,” said Mr Graham, who also hopes to arrange day outings and overnight trips, especially given members live so close to the North Coast 500 route.
It has also attracted sponsorship from local businesses and has produced a range of merchandise including hoodies, hats and mugs.
Well-known Beauly community stalwart and retired businessman James Campbell is the club’s treasurer and secretary.
Aged 83, he owns a Lotus Elise which he waited 15 months for while it was on order from the Lotus factory in Norwich.
He sold his previous car, a Lotus Europa, two years ago, having owned it for 44 years.
“Lotus always had a great following,” he said. “The vehicle is made to drive – it is extra special and great to handle.
“I enjoy the car, but I also obey the speed limit.”
The club’s oldest member is 84-year-old retired plumber Ian McHardy who bought his latest vehicle, a Porsche Boxster, about a year ago. He enjoys taking it out on the Highland roads with his dog, Wren, as a passenger.
“These days, it is a bit difficult getting in and out of it at my age,” he conceded, although he remains undeterred.
Over the decades, he has owned a range of cars including a Triumph Stag and various MGs.
“I think my favourite is the Porsche,” he said. “It is a great road-holding car.
“When you go round a corner, it is like a magnet. It is brilliant.”
His son Mike also shares his passion for sports cars and when not driving a van for his work as a plumber, enjoys taking to the road in a Jaguar F-type.
The club is keen to hear from anyone wishing to join. Contact James Campbell on 07599 722420 or Gil Graham on 07979 625775, and visit www.beaulysportscarclub.com
