Author Archives: Paddy McKay

80 Years of Speed: The 2026 RSAC Scottish Rally Returns to Dalbeattie

The countdown is on. On Saturday, 18th July, the RSAC Scottish Rally celebrates its 80th running—a massive milestone for one of the most prestigious events in British stage rallying.

Coming off a stellar year, the 2025 event was officially recognised as the best-run round of the Asset Alliance Scottish Rally Championship, taking home the coveted Coogie Urquhart Trophy. For 2026, we are aiming to raise the bar even higher.

Our Home in Dalbeattie

For the fifth consecutive year, the rally will be centred at the premises of Jas P Wilson Forest Machines in Dalbeattie. Their support has been instrumental in providing a world-class base for Rally Control, Scrutineering, and the Service Park.

Having a central hub with such fantastic facilities allows the “service village” atmosphere to thrive, giving fans and teams a first-class experience throughout the day.

The Stages: Classics Meet a New Challenge

The 2026 route offers a perfect blend of high-speed tradition and fresh challenges. The event will feature three distinct stages, each run twice, totalling six high-octane tests.

The addition of Barney Water is a highlight for this year, ensuring that even those who have competed here for decades have something new to master.

Spectator Safety & Information

Our Spectator Safety Team is currently working around the clock to finalise dedicated viewing areas. These zones are designed to give you the best possible vantage points while keeping everyone safe.

A Reminder to Fans: Please only spectate from official designated areas. Following the marshals’ instructions ensures the rally runs smoothly and stays on the calendar for years to come.

We look forward to seeing the hills of Dumfries and Galloway come alive with the sound of rally engines this July. Whether you are a die-hard petrolhead or a local family looking for a great day out, we can’t wait to welcome you to the 80th RSAC Scottish Rally!

RSAC Scottish Rally Awarded the Coogie Urquhart Quaich

Simply the best!

At the Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship Awards held last night in Glasgow, the Scottish Rally was awarded the Coogie Urquhart Quaich for 2025.  This is presented to the organising team of the best event in the Championship as judged by the Championship Management Committee and the registered competitors.

Andrew Pemberton, Chairman of RSAC Motorsport Limited, said ‘we are absolutely blown away that all the hard work put in to make the event a success has been recognised.  This is only the second time that the rally has been presented with the award for best event (previously known as the Chairman’s Cup).  This is not just for the organising team but for every marshal and official that assisted on the event – without you there would be no rally – and no award’.

Jonathan Lord, Clerk of the Course went on to thank not only the Competitors who voted for the event, but also the key stakeholders who make it all possible – Dumfries & Galloway Council who have supported the event for the last 28 years, Forestry and Land Scotland who we work closely with to provide the stages and Iain Wilson and his team at Jas P Wilson Forest Machines for providing their facilities for Rally Control and the Service Area.  

Planning for the 2026 event, the 80^th running of the event, is already underway and we look forward to welcoming you all to Dalbeattie on Saturday 18 July.  

Thank you one and all

The Organising Team