A Highland businessman is the driving force behind a venture which could breathe new life into a historic area.
Alan Stewart, who lives near Aviemore, wants to bring off-road safari comp, the fastest growing motor sport in the UK, to Rhynie in Aberdeenshire and put the area firmly back on the tourism map.
The enterprising 61-year-old explained that the sport – a cross between rallying and cross-country – is held in remote areas with powerful vehicles taking part.
And he added: “The Aberdeen area is hurting at the moment because of the drop-off in the oil industry and bringing the sport here would really boost the local economy.
“Off-road safari comp is a bit like the Paris to Dakar rally-type of racing and people compete over very remote, harsh terrain. Mostly private or forestry roads are used and the competitions are held over two days, sometimes at night, with the events being timed.
“The Scottish championships are made up of seven rounds altogether and, at the moment, most are held in the south of the country.”
Mr Stewart, who owns the Cairngorm Sled Dog Centre, confirmed two events have already been held at Craig Castle, outside Rhynie, and a track of sorts has been carved out of the remote rugged hillside.
He said: “The landowner Alistair Barlas has been very supportive and the plan is to put in a proper track to make it more attractive to the British team.
“The area has an amazing history as more than 800 young men went off to fight in the First World War and never came home and there are houses up on the hillside that have not been lived in for years.
“It’s like another world.”
In order to promote a proper track at Rhynie, a short film will be made by freelance cameraman, James Stevens.
Mr Stewart added: “Filming is expected to start next month and it will cover the history of the area, the sport and interviews with different drivers. It will also remember those who never came back after 1918.
“It will be entered into different festivals and we hope it will help to make this project come alive.”
He added: “I used to do motocross racing, but it was really a hobby. I left it behind when I took up other things like scuba-diving.
“But I sort of drifted back into motor racing and became interested in off-road safari comp. It is very hard and challenging, but it’s good being with like-minded petrolheads.”
