Thousands of spectators watched an enthralling Snowman Rally in the Highlands at the weekend during the spectacular opening event of the Scottish rallying season.
Co-ordinator Fiona Moir was delighted with the public response to yet another successful competition, which attracted 87 rallying teams to the north of the country.
And the event itself provided plenty of thrills for those who flocked to the Highland capital.
She said: “Over 5,000 people turned out to witness one of the trickiest rally courses on the tour.
“There wasn’t that much snow during the exciting six stages, but there was some quite icy conditions which made for some great rallying.
“It was typical Snowman conditions and it was a great opener to the Scottish Rally Championships.”
The massed ranks of competitors were cheered through the streets of Inverness for the opening parade, prior to the race itself.
Ms Moir added: “The occasion is enjoyed by not only the competitors and crowds, but the businesses in the city centre who benefit.
“The teams then went on to take part in the six stages, racing at Daviot, the Black Isle, Kiltarlity and Strathpeffer.
“We have had a brilliant weekend. We are glad it has passed this year safely and that everyone had an enjoyable time.
“We like to put on a show and we like to think that we got the Scottish Rally Championships off to a flying start.”
The main race was won by Andrew Gallagher and Jane Nicol from the Borders.
The Snowman Rally, which has run since 1955, adopted a charity for the event this year, helping to raise £4million for the Elsie Normington Foundation.
This organisation plans to build a specialist playcentre, respite wing, community coffee shop and some supported housing for children and young adults with learning disabilities in Inverness.
