Rarities with a strong local link have been wheeled out for an automotive Tartan Day Scotland celebration.
Following on from an inaugural display to tie in with the Angus-led annual focus on the nation’s heritage and culture, Strathmore Vintage Vehicle Club (SVVC) has once again mounted a varied showcase of two and four-wheeled transport at its Bridge View House base, near Glamis.
The eclectic exhibition is made up largely of member-owned machines, ranging from pedal cycles to a one-off 1950s motorbike, as well as an Angus-made engine that spent its life powering the equipment of a local village sawmill.
The 1926 Shanks engine was made two years after the firm produced its first crude oil engine, but it was the manufacture of the world’s first motorised lawnmower that put the Arbroath firm’s name on the world map.
SVVC member Kevin Rae has spent countless hours leading the restoration of the engine on display at Glamis this week, it having lain for decades after being retired from its sawmill role at Idvies, near Letham.
The club also stages the annual Scottish Transport Extravaganza at Glamis Castle, and Kevin said the engine is set to be the July centrepiece of what will be the largest gathering of Shanks engines staged anywhere in the world.
Also on public display for the first time is a 1936 Vauxhall 25 Limousine, recently restored after being bought at one of the popular SVVC auctions around 18 months ago.
It was used as a taxi and then for wedding hire in the Alyth area in the 1960s and 1970s and is an imposing exhibit at the entrance to the display.
Another item in need of rather more care is the 1958 AER prototype owned by an Arbroath enthusiast.
The machine, created by Albert E Reynolds, is a cross between a scooter and a motorcycle but never really caught on and the example on display at Glamis is thought to be the only one in existence.
SVVC company secretary, Stephen Dear, said: “Last year our Tartan Day theme was Scottish-made, this year we have gone for exhibits that are either Scottish owned or have Scottish history and we’re hopeful people will pop in to see the display.
“Although it is running for Tartan Week until Sunday, we plan to keep a lot of it on display throughout the summer. From April onward, we definitely see more visitor footfall here at Bridge View House and it is great to welcome people passing by,” he added.