Welcome to the 2001 'Philips Tour of Mull'
The Introduction to the 2001 Event Programme -
by Chris Paton, who has been competing on the Tour of Mull since 1969
My love affair with the island of Mull began on a beautiful Saturday morning
on the 18th October 1969. As the turntable hoist was raised to lift us up from
the car deck of the M.V. Columba alongside the pier at Craignure, there was the
feeling that something very special was going to happen that weekend. Indeed the
'Tour of Mull' was very special, but no one then imagined it would be repeated
annually for over three decades.
Things were very different then as the 'Swinging Sixties' were drawing to a
close. As a 19 year-old engineering apprentice and avid rally enthusiast, I knew
the opportunity to see 'Motoring News' Championship contenders like Will Sparrow
and George Hill battle it out for the honours in Scotland's first 'real' road
rally was one not to be missed. We were not to be disappointed by the spectacle
of the rally or the amazing welcome given by the people of Mull, and having
watched the first 'Tour of Mull' I vowed to return the following year to
compete. The rest as they say, is history.
In those early days one of my favourite 'selectives' was the A849 from
Craignure to Salen, via a passage control in the middle of Fishnish forest.
However the final stage was a real sting in the tail, starting just outside
Dervaig, dashing through Glen Bellart and down the very fast Glen Aros before
turning left onto the main road at Aros Bridge for the high speed run up the
'Sound of Mull' to Tobermory. There was no road closure order in those days, but
fortunately the local Bobby had the good sense to stand at the Aros Bridge
junction to prevent traffic from venturing up the main road to Tobermory,
presumably in the interest of public safety.
The Isle of Mull has changed a lot since 1969, and the survival of the rally
has depended on the ability of the organising team to change the format of the
event to suit those changes. No matter what obstacles were placed in their way -
and there have been many over the years - they have always managed to find a
solution. Almost one third of the competitive mileage disappeared during the
Seventies due to 'road improvements', but from the limited choice, there have
been several ingenious combinations used to provide the route for what is still
one of the most challenging events anywhere. The organising team, backed up by
the many volunteer marshals, work extremely hard to provide us with an event
which runs like clockwork.
Forest special stage rallies have always been more popular than road rallies
in Scotland, and when the rally was first run it was thought very unlikely that
a Scot could win on Mull. Even less likely was a win by a Muileach but, of
course, that has all changed now with the Island providing more than a dozen top
quality crews, many of whom have a genuine chance of winning. The event always
attracts an entry from the mainland of the highest quality, but with the form
shown by the locals in recent years, a win by a 'foreigner' now looks unlikely.
One thing is certain - the 2001 event will be as competitive as ever.
The special bond, which exists between the Islanders and the Rally, depends
on the continued co-operation of the visitors, and in this troubled year when
most other events have been cancelled we must be especially vigilant in
complying with instructions for competitors, service crews and spectators.
Once again the event enjoys the long running association with Philips
Electronics whose name adds further prestige to an event already well known for
its unique challenge and special atmosphere. I am planning to compete in the
rally for the 31st time this year, but no matter what your involvement is in
this very special weekend, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have over the years.
Chris Paton
Lanark
August 2001
