2021 Moffat Classic Car Rally Cancelled

[Samuel B Saunderson]

To supporters of the Moffat Classic Car Rally 2021 Moffat Classic Car Rally Cancelled. Dear All Due to the Prolonged Covid -19 Pandemic, the decision has been taken to cancel this year’s Moffat Classic Car Rally. The event was due to take place on 26/27 June. It is with great regret that this decision has had to be taken, especially after the cancellation of last year’s event which was for similar reasons. The cancellation was unavoidable due to all the restrictions put in place by the appropriate Authorities for outdoor events this year. With entrants and spectators usually attending from all over the UK, Northern Ireland and Shetland, one of our biggest concerns was, that if any new travel restrictions had to be imposed before the event it would have caused serious problems – as an example, there have been a few travel restrictions put in place at short notice over the past 11 months which we have all experienced. Any cancellations would have an effect on our finances, as the detailed plans and expenditure for the Rally starts In February. Last year’s event was cancelled near the end of March resulting in a financial loss on an event that never took place. Many entrants also felt the effect of the cancellation as in some cases accommodation etc. had been paid for in advance. Other issues that helped us to make the decision:- We would not have been allowed to have the Saturday Run starting with the assembly of over 300 cars in Moffat Town centre. This usually attracts a large crowd over the one and a half hour period – we would not have been allowed to have our Picnic Gatherings at St Mary’s Loch and other sites on route. For the past 22 years, usually around 300 of our entrants have always had the enjoyment of the Civic Reception in the Moffat Woollen Mill on the Saturday night – this would not have been allowed this year. It was suggested that we reduce the number of car entrants to meet the Social Distance requirements – this would have meant a large reduction in our entries and this was not acceptable. It was also suggested that we reduce our number of spectators to satisfy the social distance aspect – again this was not acceptable and virtually impossible to implement unless it was on a ticket only basis. This mailing has been sent to previous entrants on our register who have given us their email address. Unfortunately, there is a large number we don’t have an email address for. Can I please ask you all to assist by contacting any of your friends whom you know has an interest in the Moffat Rally. Also, can I please ask the Car Clubs, through their appropriate channels, to notify their members of the cancellation- all this would be very much appreciated! Thank you all for your support and understanding. Gordon Gordon Bisset Event Organiser