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.”
National Theatre of Scotland launches a new interactive map for Scotland to demonstrate its love for the Big Yin, inviting people to share their own Billy Connolly memories.
READ MORETouring Scotland from June, the cast is announced for Hen Night Horror, an original musical comedy that promises to put the willies right up ye!
READ MOREAldi Scotland's popular 'Best Home Bar' competition has returned for another year, with a year's supply of beer up for grabs!
READ MOREThe first opening road bridge across the River Clyde is a step closer to completion as the first section of the Renfrew Bridge has arrived in Renfrewshire.
READ MOREPaisley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town this weekend for a two-day feastival with plenty for everyone to sample and enjoy.
READ MOREWith a staggering 14 million adults in the UK unable to swim, the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework has launched a new campaign to encourage adults in Scotland to learn the life skill.
READ MORERunners in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a new running track at the On-X Sports Centre in Linwood after a contract was approved by councillors.
READ MOREACCORD Hospice is pleased to announce the return of its annual art exhibition to The Art Department in Paisley between the 26th of April and 10th May.
READ MORENow in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
READ MOREDuring the Easter holidays, hundreds of kids across Renfrewshire have enjoyed free school holiday activity camps.
READ MORELatest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.
READ MOREThis year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.
READ MOREThe Paisley 10k and Fun Run will see thousands taking to the streets when the event returns to the town on Sunday 18th August, 2024.
READ MOREEnvironmentally conscious individuals are being asked to volunteer for a new community taskforce to help protect Renfrewshire's rich riverbank habitats.
READ MOREPaisley's Spring Farmyard Trail is coming to Paisley town centre from Friday the 29th of March until Monday 15th of April.
READ MOREHistoric 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 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 MORERenfrewshire has honoured local groups and volunteers for their work in the community at the Provost's Community Awards.
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 MOREPaisley's Learning and Cultural Hub has won a national award. The new home for Paisley Central Library won the physical category at the EDGE Awards.
READ MOREThe Easter weekend is going to be eggs-tra special at Cardwell Garden Centre this year.
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 MOREGroups connected with the refurbishment of Paisley Museum are celebrating today after picking up an honour at the Smiley Charity Film Awards in London.
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 MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"