Mackinnon’s got the “rally bug” again

AFTER GETTING THE rally bug again last year, Tobermory’s Paul Mackinnon is back determined to make a push to win the Beatson’s Mull Rally. He explains to Jim McGill how, having taken time to concentrate on his tourism business, he’s back relaxed and ready to have fun in a Subaru Impreza S14.

“I did the rally last year and definitely got the bug again,” Paul explained. “I would have liked to have done it in the Escort again, but the problem was my co-driver for this year, Daniel Barritt, wasn’t keen on the Escort at all. He wanted to try something different, so we got the Subaru.

“It’s something I know a bit better, having owned a Subaru in the past. This one is more modern; this one is a good machine and let’s face it, I feel I need all the help I can get,” he smiled.

“I’m definitely looking forward to the rally. Taking a wee bit of time away and just concentrating on work and stuff means I can enjoy it more when I’m back in the car. Sometimes when you’re tied up in it all, it’s just work and rallying, and it becomes difficult to enjoy it because you’re so busy with everything else.

“As for the guys to beat: I would have said Calum Duffy has won it quite a bit since I was competing, so he’s the main man; and he has a nice new Skoda being built. Of course it doesn’t matter what he’s in, he’s always going to be competitive.

“And of course, there’s my wee mate John MacCrone. He’s back in his R5, a state-of-the-art car, and I know how good he is. These are the boys I need to beat.”

BEATSON’S MULL RALLY FORUM

One of the highlights in the build-up to the annual running of the rally is the Beatson’s Mull Rally Forum. It’s something you really don’t want to miss. So, where is it, and when does it start?

Location: Aros Hall, Tobermory
Day: Thursday
Time: 7.30pm
Entry: Free

This year’s guests include:
David Bogie (pictured right)
Paul Mackinnon
Daniel Barratt
Blair Morrison

And we’ve a few wee additional surprises in the offing. I know I’m a tease, but at the moment I can’t tell you any more. The additional details though will follow: promise.

What I can tell you is, the evening will be hosted by the inimitable Paul (the Hat) Tattersall.

It’s great craic, and a terrific way to start the final build-up to Friday’s opening stages. Believe me: you’ll have a blast!

Beatson’s Mull Rally Programme On-Sale

It’s here! It’s here! The fastest-selling annual publication on Mull … the OFFICIAL BEATSON’S BUILDING SUPPLIES MULL RALLY PROGRAMME … has arrived on the island, and is on sale NOW!
But you’d better get your skates on: there’s only limited supplies, and traditionally it flies off the shelves faster than Calum Duffy through Mishnish!

Packed with previews, exclusive interviews — and boy, do we have some crackers! — entry list, maps, schedules and technical information, it will keep you entertained in between stages.
Honestly, it’s BIGGER even than Donald Trump’s ego!
And yours for just a FIVER!

If you’re not last in the queue, you’ll find it on-sale at:

• The Kiosk, Fionnphort
• Spar shops: Bunessan, Craignure and Salen
• Arlene’s Cafe, Craignure
• McDonald’s Garage, Salen
• Corner Shop, Tobermory
• Argyll Arms
• Craignure Inn
• Salen Hotel
• Bellachroy Hotel
• Mishnish
• Macdonald Arms
• Tobermory Hotel
• Park Lodge Hotel
• Corner Shop, Tobermory

James MacGillivray

LAST YEAR, SALEN’S James MacGillivray’s Beatson’s Mull Rally came to a premature end when the engine of his Subara Impreza expired. Ahead of this weekend’s event, he tells Jim McGill how he plans to mix it with the leaders this year.

“Aye, last year was frustrating, but sometimes that’s the way rallying goes,” James, co-driven by Salen’s Ian Fraser, laughed. “This year though we’ll be back in the very same car, which hasn’t turned a wheel since I blew the engine last year.

“To try and find bits at reasonable money was a big job in itself, given the fact it was a World Rally Car engine.

“I haven’t done anything, nothing, in terms of rallying since last year’s Mull. But the car will have a new engine and gearbox, and we’ll probably run Michelin tyres.

“Apart from that, we’ll just hang on to the coat tails of these other chaps who are doing big things with fancy cars and see where we end up. I’m too long in the tooth to be doing that; for me rallying is a hobby.

“Obviously I want to beat these guys, but I’m not prepared to put myself in a big financial mess just to try and beat them. That said, I don’t think we’ll be far away from them.”

To many, today was just another day. A date on a calendar. And so it should be.

But it would be untrue for me and for many to think that.

It was a stark reminder of the passing of time, an experience shared, emotions heightened and thanks given for friendships, family, professional Services, humble and ordinary people who were involved in a sad and sorrowful day.

So many heroes in my eyes.

So many kind and compassionate strangers who came forward to show the very best of humanity.

It is hard to believe it’s been a year.

But today, of all days, it was the
most beautiful autumn day. A good day for reflection, but not for sadness or sorrow.

Thankyou all for being there for me. I really do love and appreciate you all.

Sarah Everitt