Monte Carlo Classic Car Rally - Paisley Start

Around 70 classic cars dating back to the 1920s gathered outside the beautiful Paisley Abbey before setting off on their 2,688km trip to the French Riviera.

It is great that Paisley has continued to be the starting point again this year.

Entertainment was evident for those who came along to see the cars and drivers before the rally started.

The first car off the ramp was the specially branded Chrysler Sunbeam marking the town’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021.

We were favoured with good weather on the night making it a pleasant experience.

Old Timer

First to Depart

Atmospheric Shot

Wolseley

Beetle

Off We Go

Sleek

Waiting in Turn


Entertainment

Taxi for Monte Carlo

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.com - better resolution and options to licence.

Monte Carlo Classic Car Rally - Paisley

Paisley once again hosts the only UK start of the world-famous Monte Carlo Classic Car Rally tomorrow.

The four other start venues are Barcelona, Frankfurt, Oslo, and Reims.

The event begins around 16:00 with much in the way of festivities and entertainment before the first car starts at 17:45 from Abbey Close at Paisley Abbey.

The first car over the ramp will be a specially branded Chrysler Sunbeam, marking Paisley’s bid for the  UK City of Culture 2021.

We can only hope and pray for reasonable weather, unlike the blustery and wet we enjoyed today.

Dedicated Drivers with Their Cars

 Waving the Flag

 Chrysler Sunbeam

Riley 9 War Department Tourer

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.com - better resolution and options to licence.

Monte Carlo Classic Rally in Paisley - 2014

Thousands turned out in Paisley this evening to see cars set off for Monte Carlo Classic Rally.

An estimated crowd of around 10,000 turned out to see these magnificent machines and their crews gathered before the start of the race.

 A total of sixty-six vehicles set off from just outside Paisley Abbey on the 2,688km trek to the French Riviera - and Paisley the only UK start leg of the world-famous event. 

 Drivers of their lovingly-preserved Porsches, Triumphs, BMWs and Mini Coopers happily mingled with the public, who seemed enjoyed getting up close to the vehicles. 

Irish rallying legend Paddy Hopkirk – who won the rally 50 years ago – joined Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall to wave the cars off on their journey.

The ceremonial first car over the ramp was driven by 1960s female rallying trailblazer Rosemary Smith, partnered by Douglas Anderson, chair of the Rally Start Committee. 

Paisley was joined by Stockholm, Oslo, Barcelona and Reims as a host venue as start legs set off from throughout Europe. 

Renfrewshire Council closed off part of the town centre to allow the crowds to line the streets and get the best view of the cars. 

We also had a link with Renfrewshire’s car-building heritage, with a display of Hillman Imps, built at the former Rootes car plant in nearby Linwood. 

 Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan said: “Paisley is fast building a reputation as a venue for top-class town-centre events – and successfully hosting the Rally is just the latest boost to that. “We were delighted to see the Renfrewshire public get behind the event in such numbers and am sure they enjoyed the spectacle of the occasion.” 

Douglas Anderson, chair of the rally start committee, said: “Once again, the response from the public has been incredible. "This is a truly international spectacle and we hope to bring the event back to Scotland in 2015.” 

So, all in all a great night for motor sport and Paisley.

 Before the Start

 Colourful Cars at Paisley Abbey

 1968 Volvo 122S

 MG - At the Ready

Time is of the Essence

 Friends Ready to Go in Their Triumph TR3A

 Darkness Falls


Rosemary Smith - Paddy Hopkirk - Provost Anne 


Singer Chamois Starts Off

Ready for the Off

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

MOD Festival Torchlight Procession in Paisley

The Mòd Phàislig began in style tonight with a torchlit procession down Paisley High Street - led by the Greater Glasgow Police Scotland Pipe Band, and followed by local schoolchildren to brighten up the occasion.

The procession stopped at intervals as we were entertained with music, singing, country dancing, the telling of a witchcraft tale, and eventually ending at the Abbey.

There the lady Provost gave words of welcome and expressed her delight that this event was being staged in Paisley.

It is anticipated that more than 8,000 people will visit Paisley as it hosts Scotland’s flagship celebration of traditional and Gaelic culture for the first time in it's history.

Stilt Walker Prepares for the Procession

Brightening Up the Occasion

Greater Glasgow Police Scotland Pipe Band Lead the Torchlit Procession


Local Schoolchildren Participate in the Torchlit Procession


Greater Glasgow Police Scotland Pipe Band Lead the Torchlit Procession

 A Smiling Face Shows Enjoyment at the Torchlit Procession

Torchlit Procession for the MOD in Paisley

 Scottish Country Dancers Entertain at the Torchlit Procession

Everyone Seems to be Enjoying the Torchlit Procession 

Accordion Music in the Square

Local Schoolchildren Join in the Torchlit Procession

A Tale of Witchcraft at the Torchlit Procession 

Lady Provost Welcomes the Torchlit Procession 

Torchlit Procession for the MOD in Paisley 

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

Paisley Fire Engine Rally - 2013

The 'Paisley Fire Engine Rally' was held today at County Place in Paisley.

I arrived rather late but managed to catch a few worthwhile images.

One benefit of my late arrival was that the weather improved somewhat and had a nice bit of sun rather then the heavy rain we enjoyed earlier in the day.

Having said that, the rain returned not too long after I left so I was indeed very fortunate.

Enjoyed the event and everyone seemed to be having an enjoyable time.


'Blue Lamp and Bell'

'Bloodbike


Chip Fan Fire Demonstration

Paisley Fire Engine Rally Personnel

 'Heading Home' 

Morris Minor at the Paisley Fire Engine Rally

 Paisley Fire Engine Rally 

 Heritage Fire Engine at Paisley Fire Engine Rally

 Bloodbike

Scania Fire Tender

 Heritage Engines

Getting Acquainted 

Scania Fire Tender at the Paisley Fire Engine Rally

 'Morris Minor' 

 Party Goers at the Paisley Fire Engine Rally 

Glasgow Airport Fire Tender 

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.