Rotary Club of Spey Valley rally to charity causes to tune of £9000
Sunday’s big Rotary Club of Spey Valley Car Tour has delivered a massive charity boost in the Highlands.
The annual classic nostalgia binge again proved to be a resounding success, this time raising an amazing £9,000 for vital causes.
The event brought together 42 stunning classic, sports, and electric vehicles for a scenic tour through the picturesque landscapes of Spey Side and Moray.
Participants enjoyed glorious weather as they embarked on a route from Aviemore, through Nethy Bridge, Cromdale, and Dufftown, before arriving at the Cullen Bay Hotel for a well-deserved lunch. The afternoon saw the motoring enthusiasts journeying back through Rafford, Dallas, and Grantown on Spey, taking in more of the region's breathtaking scenery.
The day culminated in a celebratory dinner and awards ceremony, where generous sponsors provided prizes for notable achievements.
Colin Macalister was recognised for raising the most funds for the charities, while Tony Flemming from Carluke received the award for the furthest travelled. The proud owners of the oldest vehicle, Eric and Tracy Walker were also celebrated for their beautifully maintained 1951 Chrysler DeSoto.
The remarkable £9,000 raised will be shared between Macmillan Cancer Support and CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).
CRY works tirelessly to reduce the incidence of young sudden cardiac death and provides crucial support to affected families. A portion of the funds will also go to the Rotary Club of Spey Valley Charity to further support nominated charities and local initiatives within the community.
Rotary Club President Pam Cairns said, 'We are delighted by the success of our Charity Car Tour. Over 40 entrants enjoyed a beautiful day driving through our lovely countryside. The generosity of the participants was amazing raising over £9000 to be equally shared with our three named charities: CRY- Cardiac Risk in The Young, Macmillan Cancer Support, and RCSV Charity SCIO. There was a real buzz with many participants expressing an intertest to come back for another year!"
The club issued its sincere gratitude to event sponsors: Arnold Clark Mercedes Benz Inverness, Macdonald Aviemore Resort, Cullen Bay Hotel, Kinrara Distillery, and Landmark Press, for their invaluable support in making the day such a triumph.
The rotarians’ efforts continue to support local causes and national charities, with two further events in this month: the Caledonia Charity Golf Challenge in aid of Highland Hospice and Rotary causes at MacDonald Spey Valley Championship Course takes place on Thursday May 22 and after last year’s very successful charity concert at Macdonalds, Aviemore, the Royal Marine Band Scotland are making a return trip to on 30th.
Further details and tickets available via the Club website