Perth Racecourse played host to over 1000 car enthusiasts for the 50th anniversary of the Hillman Imp, a celebration which coincides with 400 years of racing at Perth.
Running from August 1-5, the racecourse accommodated automobile aficionados from as far afield as New Zealand.
The annual event is held in a different location each year, however, to mark 50 years since the launch of the car in Linwood, Renfrewshire, the organisers felt it was important to celebrate this milestone event in Scotland.
Perth Racecourse is located in Scone Palace in Perthshire, which was the crowning place of Scottish Kings and its 30 acre grounds provide the perfect location for revellers at this year’s rally.
During the five day event, the Racecourse provided numerous facilities to guests at a variety of bars and restaurants open around the clock to fuel their hunger.
Catering at Perth Racecourse is provided by Sodexo Prestige and included pasta and rice nights as well as a hog roast. Breakfast offered traditional Scottish fare such as haggis and black pudding to ensure the drivers were well fuelled for the day
Tracy Quinn, sales manager for Sodexo Prestige at Perth Racecourse, said: “We are delighted to have received the Hillman Imp Anniversary Rally on an anniversary year ourselves. We are so lucky at Perth Racecourse to have the space to accommodate such a group and relish the opportunity to share in the heritage of these wonderful cars.
“Over the five days there were a lot of people at the venue, but we thrive on the challenge and worked hard to ensure that everyone involved had a good time.
“There were bands playing at night as well as a disco on the Saturday, and for the “Little Impers” we even had a kids club with a range of activities from team games to face painting and craft activities.
“Events like this have a real sense of fun and community spirit. It’s always rewarding to play a role in bringing people together to celebrate from around the world”
Sodexo Prestige has a wealth of experience in providing for groups of this size as they regularly host racing festivals, family days, and charitable functions.
They are committed to using the best local produce and suppliers where possible so the guests can expect the very best when they sit down to replenish after a good day of driving.
Alan Farquarson, Chief Organiser for the rally said: “We are delighted to have held the Hillman Imp 50th anniversary at Perth Racecourse. In previous years we have held the event at stadiums and sports clubs but the experience and professionalism of the people at Perth convinced us to go there.
“The menu over the four days was excellent and there was something for everyone, which is some feat of catering considering our high numbers. I’m sure our foreign members enjoyed the traditional Scottish breakfasts that Sodexo Prestige provided, although they took some convincing about black pudding and haggis.”
The programme for the anniversary stay included a track night at Knockhill racing circuit, a run to the Famous Grouse Experience and a run to the Glenalmond Estate. Sunday included a display of the cars and an awards ceremony.
The track night at Knockhill was an opportunity for the drivers to open up their engines and whizz around the track for as long or as little as they like. Although it is stressed that it was not a race, slower cars are to keep to the right so it probable that competitive spirits will kick in.
Sodexo Prestige is the corporate dining, hospitality and events division of Sodexo and partners with 17 top class venues in Scotland – and 50 across the UK – including the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Hampden Park Stadium and Perth Racecourse. It also provides catering hospitality for The Open Championship, one of the world’s biggest golfing events.
