PICTURE SPECIAL: Wind and showers failed to keep people from visiting this classic vehicle mix at Groats
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Classic cars mingled with other vintage vehicles including tractors at a colourful show at John O’Groats on Sunday.
The Caithness and Sutherland Vintage and Classic Car Club (CSVCVC) joined forces with the Caithness Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club (CVTMC) at a massive event in the showground next to the north coast village.
Fast becoming a stalwart of the vintage scene, James Green said: “This is my first year as chairman of CSVCVC and I have to say what a great team we have, all drawn from members we have within the club.
“They all give up their time on a voluntary basis so I am very grateful to them, one and all, for their dedication to the club – without them it would not be the success that it is today.
“From an early age, this club has played a big part in my life. Within my family, both my late father and my late grandfather were both key members. Both helped with the setting up and running of the annual rally for many years and I am proud to follow in their footsteps.
“I also thank everyone who has kindly sponsored our annual rally. Every little helps and this support keeps this event going, hopefully for many years to come.”
He said that the conditions were a bit breezy with patches of rain on the day but it did not deter a good turnout of visitors and those displaying their vintage vehicles.
West Greenland farmer Andrew Mackay is chair of the CVTMC and said his club had attended the rally on a smaller scale before Sunday’s full collaboration.
He said: “We had a big team here on Friday and yesterday helping out to set the whole thing up and I’m sure James [Green] will tell you he’s happy about that.
“We’ve got something like 18 to 20 tractors here and we’re not being judged in the show.
“I think we’ve come together to make a it really good event.”
Elaine Rapson-Grant, organiser for Artisans North, ensured the two big craft tents were full to the gunwales with her artisans including Belle Alba; Rapson Art; North Coast Art and Crafts; Wings and Things; FudgePops; Made With Love in Lybster; Yvonne Turfus Sewing Crafts; Nana's Kitchen; RT Highland Crafts; Shirley's Kabin Krafts; Highland Home Aromas; The Fairy Gothmother; Colly's Crafts; Within Resin; Bibbiti's Boutique and VB Jewellery.
Also for the first time, trade stands have been added to the line-up and included Wolfburn Distillery; Weekend Warrior; KnitsNBits; John Marshall (Woodturning); Heathfield Crafts and the Tie-Dye Emporium.
Other attractions on the showfield were Colin Campbell Photography; Caithness Animal Farm Park; Tumbles of Fun; the British Red Cross; Duncansby Coastguard; Pentland Model Boat Club; Violet's School of Dance and Wick RBLS Pipe Band.
Elaine said “I really enjoyed arranging for this very diverse group of artisans to be part of the rally this year.
“We have never had so many artisans on the showfield before so it was a huge undertaking but a very exciting one to organise.
“Also, I must say that we are so very grateful to Wolfburn Distillery for producing an ‘exclusive bottling’ to mark the 55th anniversary of the CSVCVC which is for sale at the rally. I am sure that this whisky is going to be very popular indeed.”
The CSVCVC also has a new logo designed by Wolfburn Distillery.
Compere Willie Mackay conducted the event with his usual banter and good-natured humour. “It’s gone absolutely wonderful,” he said.
“Everyone’s wrapped up with their jackets and they’re really enjoying what’s on show here today. It’s been a definite success and we’re all delighted.”
