Sunny Scotland a blast

The 2012 HERO Scottish Malts Classic Reliability Trial was flagged off by Jaguar ambassador Norman Dewis from the rolling lawns of the Turnberry Hotel on a cold, wet Monday morning. Car Nol was a very open and exposed vintage Riley Brooklands. Italian crew Igino Angelini and Michele Di Paolo braved the conditions and headed into the first driving test.

In total 36 motor cars made up the entry list, with another dozen on the more leisurely Tour. In addition to the Riley, David Thomas was driving a Talbot 105 and Anna-Marie Hardt was behind the wheel of her fast Jaguar SSl 00. She brought along a team of eight cars from Switzerland. This was a truly international affair, with teams also entered from Hong Kong, South Africa, North America and Europe.



Starting near Glasgow, the five-day Jogularity (where times are provided for the regularity stages) event consisted of driving tests, regularity tests and superb driving stages in the Highlands.

While rain drenched much of the UK, sunshine arrived on day two, which included a stop at Balmoral Castle. Day three featured stops at Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and Macallan distilleries. This was followed on day four by a test around Loch Ness. Spectacular driving featured throughout, particularly a blast up the Rest and Be Thankful hillclimb.

Lord Steel of Aikwood was the principal guest at the final black-tie dinner at the Turnberry Hotel.