25th June 2006 - Fyvie Rally
'Mini Marvellous'
By Bruce Graham from the Turriff Advertiser.
Car champions: In the winning line-up are (from left) Best Morris Minor winner Ian Allan, judge Billie McColl, Chairman Ian Leslie, Best Motor Bike winner Alec Rankin, car-judges-would-most-like-to-take-home winner Colin Murphy, club member Walter Mathers, television presenter Jim McColl and club secretary David Fisher.
Fyvie Castle was the venue for the ninth annual Scotland North-east Morris Minor Club's car and bike rally on Sunday.
Over 120 car and motorbike owners and visitors took part in the rally which included 42 Morris Minors, ranging from 1952 to 1971 with engines from a standard 803cc to a hot rod from the Moray Car Group with a 3500cc Rover engine under the bonnet.
Also participating in the event were 43 British and European cars from a 1934 Morris Cowley to a 1980 Mini Pickup, 22 American cars from a 1954 Lincoln to a 1998 Ford Mustang and 15 motorbikes from over the last 50 years.
Owners from as far afield as Wick in the north and Stirling in the south attended the event.
The rally was organised by the Morris Minor club courtesy of Robert Lovie and the National Trust for Scotland.
The participating vehicles were judged by TV's Beechgrove Garden presenter Jim McColl and his wife Billie, and the winners were as follows:-
Seaway Shield – Ian Allan, Aberdeen with his 1954 Split Screen four door Morris Minor.
Car Jim and Billie McColl would most like to take home – John Burnett Memorial Cup – Colin Murphy with his 1935 MG Midget.
Best Bike – Alec Rankin, Peterhead with his 1966 Norton.
Also present at the event were stallholders for a craft fayre and visitors and participants were entertained by Turriff Silver Band and members of the Marlene Lowe school of dance.
A number of competitions and activities were also on offer, with a boules competition and a 'Guess What's in the Pillow' competition by feeling the pillow to try and identify a variety of car parts and accessories.
Visitors were able to look round the castle as well.
Scottish North East Morris Minor Club secretary Dave Fisher said: “The day was overcast but warm and thankfully dry.
“Everyone enjoyed a wonderful day and no doubt will be looking forward to returning in 2007.”
