The village of John O’Groats is to once more be the ceremonial starting point for the glamorous Monte Carlo Rally.
In 1926, Scotsman Victor Bruce left the Caithness village on a 1,550mile drive to the French Riviera and against the odds, became the first Briton to win the endurance rally in his UK-built AC car.
Now this feat is to be re-enacted this January, on the 90th anniversary of the victory, and yesterday some classic old Monte Carlo cars were in John O’Groats for a dress rehearsal.
While the starting cities for the Monte Carlo Classic Rally are yet to be officially announced, John O’Groats will stage a special ceremonial start as part of the wider epic event.
Up until World War II, the northerly outpost was a regular Scottish start point for the rally, with cars often fighting through snow drifts.
The send-off will see vintage vehicles leaving John O’Groats on January 27, just like they did in their heyday, before joining the other competitors at the official Scottish start.
The historic twist has been warmly welcomed by local businesses who are set to benefit from hundred of international and UK visitors.
“It has taken two years of negotiations with officials in Monaco, but they love the historic aspect and we are delighted to add the John O’Groats send-off to the official Scottish start this year,” said Douglas Anderson from the organising committee.
“The village was once a popular start point for the Monte. It put John O’Groats at the heart of what was a golden age of adventure and drivers chose it as an entry point because, in those days, you got extra points if you started as far away from Monte Carlo as possible.
“It was a tough place to begin the journey over the English Channel and the Alps and, after World War II, it was discontinued and the village, sadly, lost its connection with the Monte.
“We are delighted, therefore, 90 years on from Bruce’s win, to re-establish that lost link.”
The 300-strong volliage population is gearing up for a touch of glamour during what is, traditionally, a quiet spell in the tourist season.
Walter Mowat, director of the village’s Seaview Hotel, said: “We’ve had big events here before, like the Olympic torch, but nothing of this scale and prestige.
“It’s great for businesses here, there is going to be a real buzz about the place and we hope this international event will bring lots of people into the area.”