… Speyside Stages, Spectator Info …
Programmes with full info and diagrams on sale here:
Elgin:
Autosave, Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin
Mathesons Stores – Batchen Street
Esso East Road Filling Station
Keith:
Keith Motorist DIY – Mid Street
Huntly:
Autospares of Huntly – Duke Street
Huntly Autoservices – Steven Road
Huntly Mart Cafe
Inverness:
Autosave, 35H Harbour Rd, Inverness
Spectator facilties here, all car park proceeds go to charities indicated:
SS1/2 – McDonald & Munro Cooper Park 1/2
First car due 09:00
After a gap of several years due to flood alleviation works the Cooper Park special stage is back in the schedule. The flood alleviation works have meant there are changes to the layout of the stage, so there will only be access to the start line, around Grant Lodge and up to the left hand corner around the bowling green. There will be no access to the flying finish area at the western side of the park on the banks of the River Lossie as there has been in previous years.
Where to watch
The viewing areas in the Park are accessed from the Lossie Green Car Parks. If you go to your right as you enter the park, and past the Library, it takes you to the main viewing area. You can see the crews tackle a tight section around the old library before heading off into the faster sections around the park, and commentary is provided here. Please do not try and access any other area of the stage as these are strictly non-spectator, and anyone in here would mean the cancellation of the stage.
Where to park
There are big public car parks available at Lossie Green, a two-minute walk from the Cooper Park. These are easily accessed and signposted from the main A96 through the town. Please park within the bays, and pay & display where applicable to avoid the wrath of the local traffic wardens!! Please note that the car park nearest the Cooper Park is reserved for rally cars and no spectator parking will be allowed here.
SS5 – John Wink Design Gartly Moor 1
First car due 12:00
SS8 – John Forrest Engineering Gartly Moor 2
First car due 14:30
SS5 and SS8 run in the same direction, down the hill towards Gartly Village.
Where to watch
For both stages the cars head downhill into a tricky 90 left, then through the trees into some sweeping bends. There are good views at a 90 degree corner where the car park meets the stage, but recent forestry operations mean that there are also some clear felled areas which will give good views for those that like a good walk in either direction. Food will be available in the car park.
Where to park
The car park for the stage is accessed, and will be arrowed from the public road off the A96 at the top of the crawler lane after the Glens of Foundland. After approx 2 miles turn right into the forest and follow the arrows to the car park adjacent to the stage. The car park will be run by Gartly Community Association who will take the proceeds, and parking costs £3 per car.
SS10 – Grampian Property Centre Rosarie
First car due 16:10
PLEASE NOTE – THIS SPECTATOR AREA IS ON UNEVEN GROUND AND IN AMONGST TREES – IT IS NOT SUITABLE FOR THE VERY YOUNG OR ELDERLY
Where to watch
The spectator car park joins the stage as the cars into tight triangle. To the right as you approach the stage is a fast lefthander into the triangle. Beyond this, for those that like a good walk further into the stage, there are some clear felled areas with good views. To the left are some fast and flowing downhill bends and also some big ditches, so if you choose this option please find somewhere safe to stand.
Where to park
The car park for this stage is on the forest road from Gateside farm, accessed off the A95 Keith-Dufftown road. Turn right off the A96 just before Keith and follow the A95 for approx. 3 miles before following signs and turning left onto unclassified road. Follow this road for approx 1 mile before entering the forest at Gateside Farm. Please note that there have been recent forestry operations in this section of track, so please drive with caution as there are some bumpy patches.
There is NO access to the Stage Start or Stage Finish as there is no parking available on the A95. Anyone parking on the verges of this road is at risk of being towed away by the Police who will be patrolling the area. The Car Park will be manned by Riding for the Disabled and is £3 per car.