Classic cars to roll through Scotland on way to Monte Carlo as rally marks 100th anniversary

The Forth Rail Bridge has provided the backdrop for a preview of the Monte Carlo Classique, which will pass through Queensferry later this month en route to the south of France.

Members of the Écosse Rallye Drivers Club, who will compete as a team in the Historique Rally, gathered beneath the bridge with their cars ahead of the rally’s Scottish start at the John O’Groats signpost on January 29.

Among the vehicles on display were a 1963 Austin A40, a 1978 MGB GT, a 1979 Porsche 924 and a 1968 Volvo.

It marks the 100th anniversary of the original event.

Beginning in 1926, a group of drivers set off from the northern tip of mainland Scotland to complete a 1,500-mile journey to Monte Carlo, establishing what has since become one of the world’s best-known motorsport rallies.

A century later, competitors will recreate the journey in a wide range of vehicles, including cars dating back to the early years of the event.

While the rally has started from various Scottish locations in recent years, including Paisley, Glasgow and Clydebank, organisers have returned to the traditional John O’Groats start to mark the centenary.

One of the key stops on the route will be Stirling Castle on the evening of January 29, where a public “Monte Fest” will take place, offering spectators the chance to view the cars and meet some of the competitors.

Following an overnight stop in North Queensferry, the crews will travel south to Hull to catch an overnight ferry to Rotterdam before continuing their journey through Europe to the south of France.