After having run the Borders Vintage Automobile Club (BVAC) Classic Car Show at Thirlestane for 14 years, Edward and Sarah Maitland-Carew took a giant leap of faith this year by teaming up with Sir Jackie Stewart to create the Sir Jackie Stewart Classic. This novel event focusses on helping to raise money for ‘Race Against Dementia’ and celebrates the career of the Scottish Racing legend. It brought a new audience to the borders and created a buzz that supported lots of local businesses across the borders.
The BVAC is one of the biggest car rallies in the country where visitors can admire the display of over 1,200 Veteran, Vintage and Classic Cars, Motorcycles, American Cars, Commercial, Agricultural and Military Vehicles on show. This year marked its 50th year where it has tirelessly promoted local hospitality, food vendors and businesses. This high footfall event stands out for its innovative thinking. Bringing together world class brands and individuals including Rolex, Sir Jackie Stewart himself, Berretta, Eley, J C Decaux and many others and opening their eyes to the beauty of the Scottish Borders. Edward Maitland-Carew of Thirlestane Castle said: “The opportunity to see Sir Jackie and his iconic cars, combined with a celebration of the BVAC show’s 50th year, live motorsport action and the showcase of Scotland’s best food, drink and other produce will make for a unique and memorable day out for the whole family.”
The event supported the local community by creating many temporary jobs for the local people to support the build, running and take down of the operation. It also brought a large amount of traction to local hospitality businesses and local transport providers due to the high volume of attendees. The event also included the local traders as apart of the food and beverage provisions as well as a fun fair.
The festival is held in aid of ‘Race Against Dementia’ – a global charity, founded by Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, raising funds for Dementia. A disease that affects 50 million people worldwide including his beloved wife Helen, the charity takes on the breakthrough and innovative research into the prevention of and finding a treatment for the disease. Hosting the event is raising not only funds but an awareness for such a deserving cause.