Article Source: Paisley 2021
Last Updated: 26 January 2017 16:45
Around 80 cars mingled with crowds in front of the striking backdrop of Paisley Abbey before heading over the start ramp greeted by pyrotechnics.
This was the fourth time the Renfrewshire town – bidding to be UK City of Culture 2021 – has hosted the event, one of the most glamorous in world motorsport.
Paisley was the only British start point for the race out of seven European cities including Stockholm, Lisbon and Barcelona.
Around 20 cars were setting off on the challenging 1,300-mile trek to Monte Carlo, with others taking part in a series of Monte heritage runs to various destinations around Scotland.
The event was being supported by Renfrewshire Council, who had laid on a programme of entertainment during the afternoon in the town centre.
The cars included a Paisley 2021-branded Sunbeam being driven by local man Jim Meggat, which is going all the way to Monte Carlo as a support car to the main rally – and people will be able to follow their progress via Paisley 2021’s social media channels.
Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall flagged the cars off and said: “Once again, the people of Renfrewshire supported the Monte in their numbers and the presence of the cars made it such a colourful and lively atmosphere.
“For Paisley to be joining various European capitals in hosting a start leg of this prestigious event is really raising our profile ahead of the UK City of Culture 2021 bid going in later this year.
“Once again, it was a pleasure to be able to flag the cars off and I would like to wish all the best to the drivers setting off for France tonight.”
At the wheel of one of the cars, an MG Midget, which is the official opening car for the Scottish start, was Douglas Anderson, the UK co-ordinator and the man responsible for bringing the Monte back to Scotland again in 2011.
Douglas said: “This year’s Monte start had all the ingredients to make it a unique mid-winter festival which lifted the spirits of all the folk from Paisley and beyond who come along each year to enjoy the wonderful carnival atmosphere.”
Well prepared for a chilly drive south was Andrew Goodfellow from Dundee and co-driver, his brother-in-law Derek Coghill and their 1930 Austin 7 Ulster open-topped 2-seater sports which will – hopefully – complete the drive to Monte Carlo.
Said Andrew: “What a fantastic opportunity this is to take part in this historic event and we are both totally confident we and the car will make it all the way.”
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREJoin Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MORECarmunnock Heritage Trail launches this Easter weekend. It's a unique, free, multi-media tour with 16 QR coded video stops around Glasgow's last remaining village.
READ MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREGP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREA host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.
READ MORESpring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!
READ MOREIf you care for someone living with dementia, Dementia Walking Buddies project might be the thing you're looking for.
READ MOREFull cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!
READ MOREDobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.
READ MOREA sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland is going hopping mad for Easter and hosting a bumper 35 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care this spring.
READ MOREGreat Run 2024 series highlights inspirational stories from runners around the UK.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is bringing back its much-loved Easter event, inviting families to hop along to their nearest store and enjoy an Easter Bunny Breakfast egg-stravaganza.
READ MOREFriday 8th March marks International Women's Day and to celebrate Vue is set to screen four inspiring films which follow the achievements of incredible female leads.
READ MORENew research released by VisitScotland reveals the growing popularity of Scottish traditional music, finding that over a third of Scots (34%) are listening to it more often in the past year.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire libraries will host a series of events and author visits this month, to encourage conversations around climate change.
READ MOREA stellar line-up of authors are set to take Paisley by storm at this year's Paisley Book Festival in April!
READ MOREThe AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is back on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October, and the Earlybird offer to save up to £8 off your entry ends this Friday 1st March at 10am.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, in partnership with greenspace scotland, are seeking artists/designers in four commissions, to produce one of a set of covid memorials.
READ MOREA Scottish author's poignant tale of generosity and kindness has raised £2,262 to help the homeless.
READ MOREDobbies is offering customers the chance to treat the mother figures in their lives to an indulgent Mother's Day Afternoon Tea experience and a special flower gift on March 9th & 10th.
READ MOREAn Impassioned photo-led exhibition that depicts the challenge, pride and responsibility felt by those working in Scotland’s fishing industry is to debut within the Scottish Parliament.
READ MOREThe Scottish Influencer Awards, the major awards ceremony celebrating Scotland's stars of social, has announced the full shortlist of nominees in the running to be named the Influencer of the Year.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has announced its holiday camp programme for 2024, so parents can plan ahead to keep the kids active and entertained throughout school holidays this year.
READ MOREChannel 4's 'Location, Location, Location' is coming to Glasgow this Spring and they're looking for property hunters!
READ MOREDobbies is encouraging gardeners of all ages and skill levels across the country to get one of their 5 a day by learning how to grow soft fruits at one of its free workshops in March.
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"