Car fanatics who travelled 1,200 miles for charity are closing in on their £7,000 funding target.
The Caledonian Kings, made up of seven men from Perthshire and Angus, have returned from a road trip across Europe to find donations have soared to £6,800 in aid of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).
The Two Ball Banger Rally challenge to drive through nine countries in four days had an added twist – the cars had to be worth no more than around £500.
It is the second time some members of the group have taken on the mammoth task and one, Iain Appleby from Alyth, said it was even more fun the second time round – despite breaking down.
“There were a few ups and downs because of issues with the cars but we all had a great time,” he said.
“On one of the cars the tensioner pulley ended up was half off and half melted so we had no power steering, which was hard on the arms.
“We ordered a part but it wasn’t delivered until the day before we came home.
“The guys who did it for the first time had a ball but I think I actually enjoyed it more the second time round and the others said the same because we knew what to expect.”
The rest of the original group, Martin Arnold, also from Alyth, Scott Shaw from Perth and David Robertson from Monikie, took part for a second time, along with newbies Dougie Watts from Blairgowrie, Mark Hennessy from Perth and Paul Robertson from Monikie.
Under the rally rules, cars must be worth £560 or less so the team travelled in an 18-year-old Volkswagen Golf, a 16-year-old Vauxhall Omega and a 14-year-old BMW 320d.
It is not a race but competitors pick up points for performance in “outrageous” daily challenges given by organisers.
One evening, the Kings proudly showed off their Scottish heritage by wearing See You Jimmy Hats and riding blow-up unicorns – Scotland’s national animal.
It started in Dover and ran through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Monte Carlo, before finishing back in France.
When they returned from their adventure at the end of August, the team were delighted to discover they had raised £6,000, which has since jumped to £6,800.
Iain hoped to double what they raised when they took on the route the first time round, meaning they would need to pull in £7,080.
“Donations are still dribbling in and we have a drill worth £200 up for auction so we’re hopeful we can do it,” he said.
“We’re delighted to be this close to the target.”
Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/caledonian-kings18.
