THE Scottish Rally held in Dumfries and Galloway every year has revved up the local economy in recent years.
The popular car racing event, organised by RSAC Motorsport, has been staged in this region for more than quarter of a century.
Dumfries and Galloway Council gifted a grant of £18,000 to the organisers last year to help them stage the rally in Dalbeattie in July.
It was a smart investment as the event generated more than ten times this amount for the local economy.
A mid-term review of the RSAC Motorsport Scottish Rally’s performance was recently carried out by council chiefs.
Ian Barr, the council’s principal events officer, wrote in his review report: “A rudimentary economic analysis of the rally suggests it generates between £200,000 to £300,000 per annum for the regional economy.
“The rally is a little unusual in that its economic impacts are predominantly generated by the competing teams, officials and marshals staying in Dumfries and Galloway to take part in the event.
“Spectator numbers are difficult to track and evaluate as they are dispersed throughout the forest estate to take in the forest stages.”
The event’s performance review confirmed that the rally’s transition from the Lockerbie/Moffat M74 corridor to Dalbeattie has gone very well.
The change of venue was required when Lockerbie Lorry Park was no longer a viable option for the rally’s operations.
RSAC Motorsport bosses are considering introducing a classic car rally the evening before next year’s Scottish Rally event.
The council report acknowledges that this would likely attract even more fans of motorsports and car enthusiasts to the area.
The rally organisers and the council have had a long-standing partnership to base the rally in Dumfries and Galloway since the mid-1990s.
When the council’s major festivals and events strategy was adopted in autumn 2017, the rally was declared one of seven ‘signature events’.
This was to ensure continuity of funding and support during the lifespan of the 2023-2027 strategy, in recognition of its importance and the heritage of rallying within South West Scotland.
Mr Barr is recommending that councillors allocate another grant of £18,000 to the Scottish Rally for 2025/26.
He wrote: “The Scottish Rally continues to be delivered to a very high standard in Dumfries and Galloway.
“There is a renewed buoyancy to the rally since its relocation to Dalbeattie, and the sponsorship it has secured with JAS Wilson Forest Machines.
“RSAC Motorsports partnership with the council is valued by both agencies, and is the foundation, together with the appreciative support of the rally community in Scotland, for the event’s longevity.
“The technical work that goes into the rally’s planning should not be underestimated and demonstrates significant skills and commitment to the sport.
“The community of Dalbeattie has embraced the rally, which can lead to greater word of mouth support and practical assistance for the event.”
The date of the 2025 RSAC Motorsport Scottish Rally in Dalbeattie has still to be announced.
