In 1995, Ian Sykes had been down to see The Hillrally (in Wales). During the long drive back up to Inverness, he dreamed and schemed and plotted.... and decided that it was feasible to run something similar in Scotland. By dint of much legwork, a huge phone bill, and a neck so brassy and shiny it would make a Drill Sergeant proud, he got an event together.
Organised by the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, permit number 44730 was for an event of 371 miles (of which 110 was off-road), spread over 10 special stages.
Over the years, land owners changed, routes altered, people came and went... but Ian Sykes continued to organise the event.
In 2006, the future of RSAC was in doubt. The club had been in existence for over 100 years, however membership had been declining and the future was looking grim. In a bid to save the "Scottish", Ian formed a new club: the Scottish Hill Rally Club.
In 2009, after guiding the club for three years, and after organising 12 Perthshire Hill Rallies (and three Borders Hill Rallies), Ian wanted to step back to spend time with his family, although he continues to support the club... and pitches in to run as the course car at some events.
The 2009 committee elected Ian Stuart as chairman (obviously there is a need to keep an "Ian" at the helm....)
