By Dave Lord

PROVOST BOB SCOTT was already looking forward to an exciting Colin McRae Forest Stages Rally in Perthshire when he visited the promotion day for this year’s event on Saturday.

A big fan of the sport, Mr Scott said he was eagerly anticipating not only the annual spectacle but also a very welcome boost to the local economy.

“I am delighted that the rally is once again returning to the forests of Perthshire,” he said.

“Over the past four years, the event has become associated with the local area and it has never failed to provide thousands of spectators with an exhilarating and exciting experience.

“The lure of the famous Perthshire forests and the McRae name is also proving irresistible for those who have not tackled the McRae Stages before.

“To date event organisers Coltness Car Club have received 23 applications from first time entrants.”

The promotion day in Perth’s King Edward Street included two rally cars and rally videos showing on a big screen.

“This year’s Forest Stages will also have the added excitement of deciding the 2006 Scottish Championship and I understand this has helped attract even more interest than usual—from both competitors and fans alike,” Mr Scott continued.

“I have no doubt this year’s event will live up to its predecessors and that the drivers and spectators alike will enjoy the beauty—and the challenge—of Perthshire’s autumn landscape.”

Mr Scott said the local authority was pleased to lend its patronage to the event.

“I am delighted that our support of the rally continues,” he said.

“It is a tremendous boost for the area to be associated with this prestigious event, which has been of significant benefit to the local economy.”

The rally launch itself on Saturday will be accompanied by street entertainment including jugglers, unicyclists and stilt walkers.

It will start from Perth City Hall at 9am and competitors will follow a route through some of Perthshire’s best known forests, including Craigvinean, Drummond Hill and Errochty.

Driving a specially built Mk2 Ford Escort, Britain’s first world rally champion, Colin McRae, will be at car 1, followed by brother Alistair, another former championship driver.

Their father Jimmy, a multiple champion, is also expected to take part.

His historic Porsche 911 was recently badly damaged on a rally in Ypres, Belgium and mechanics are presently working round the clock to try and get the car rebuilt in time for the Fair City event.