BVAC Classic Festival of Motoring – Sunday 2nd June 2024

Words and Pictures Scottish Chapter Coordinator Ken Graham

Having made our debut visit to this show in 2023 many of the Scottish Chapter were keen to attend again. Set in the beautiful grounds of Thirlestane Castle in the Scottish Borders town of Lauder, and with over 1000 classic cars, motorcycles and other vehicles on display it is a wonderful day (or weekend) out. Six cars from Scotland signed up, and we were delighted when Katherine and Steve from Durham took advantage of the Borders location for a relatively short trip up North to join us and make seven! In addition, myself and Carol Newman, Lee and Craig Smith, Heather and Reid Martin, Libby and Trevor Welsh, Fiona and Les Reid and Deanna McGinney also attended.

On our previous visit, we had only attended the car show on Sunday, however, there is also a ‘Borders Scenic Drive’ on Saturday. So, this year, five of our seven cars decided to participate in the drive too which involved staying over from Friday to Sunday – Katherine and Steve and Deanna chose the B&B option, while Carol and myself, Lee and Craig and Heather and Reid chose two nights under canvas at the neighbouring (and particularly well appointed!) Thirlestane Caravan Park & Campsite! Lee’s barbecue catering on the Friday evening was wonderful and very welcome and we met some lovely other exhibitors in addition to the gorgeous Meg, an extremely photogenic border collie who was pictured with every one of our Figaros at some point during the weekend!

Saturday 1st June found the five drive participants registering at 10.30 am in front of the imposing Thirlestane Castle before being flagged off on the planned route. The drive was over 80 miles, but flexibility was built in for shortcuts or for anyone who wished to stop off and visit some of the many Borders attractions. We took advantage of this and after around 30+ miles we headed for a coffee and then to Selkirk for a bite of lunch and some sightseeing.

The Sunday show was excellent, with the usual high level of interest in our cars. I must thank every single one of the members who supported the event for their amazing enthusiasm and engagement with the public. I genuinely believe the way our members are prepared to chat with everyone who comes to our stand makes our wee club stand out from many others at Classic Car events.

One of the highlights was our drive in the parade ring where the master of ceremonies talked about the cars a little before chatting to me and then handing me the microphone (very risky!) to do my usual Figaro Chat/History lesson!

All in all a wonderful weekend, helped not a little by the fact it seems to have taken place on the two days which will probably be remembered as ‘The Summer of 2024’!!

Some of us have already booked our camping pitch for 2025 – although the dates have still to be confirmed the campsite owners take your booking and will phone you once the dates are fixed! Great service!

Ken Graham
Scotland Chapter Coordinator