The programme for the 2009 RSAC Scottish Rally gets underway this Saturday in Dumfries town centre - and there's plenty more to come before and during the event itself on Saturday 27 June.

Rally organisers are bringing the rally to the centre of Dumfries this weekend with the now-traditional pre-rally preview day. All day on Saturday 13 June, a selection of rally cars, motorsport rescue units and trade displays will be out below the Mid Steeple to give punters a flavour of what Scotland's oldest stage rally is all about.  Programmes and rally merchandise will also be on sale.

Then, on the evening of Thursday 25 June some of the biggest names in Scottish rallying will field questions in a special rally forum held at the James Haugh Subaru showroom. Current Hankook Scottish Rally Championship leader Jock Armstrong heads the guest list, along with former Toyota World Rally team boss George Donaldson and current Scottish champion co-driver Kirsty Riddick. As with last year a charity raffle will follow, with a ride in a rally car on offer set to be the top prize.

Even on the day of the rally itself there's something else going on to keep everyone entertained. For 2009 Dumfries and Galloway Council are revamping the Heathhall service park and spectator stage to make the whole area more family-friendly. As well as the chance to see the cars in competitive action on the Heathhall stage itself, attractions such as a climbing wall, live news and results on a big screen and the chance to sample a variety of local produce will ensure there's more to the rally than just the cars.

With all this additional activity going on it would be easy to forget the small matter of the rally itself. As in previous years Dumfries High Street will host a ceremonial start and finish for the rally. The competitors will leave from 8.00am on the Saturday morning and return to the town for champagne spraying from 3.30pm.