12^th Ag Ol Anns an Achadh Rally & Demo

Another year another rally, well not quite, although billed as our 12^th Rally a forced postponement a couple of years ago due to foot and mouth, meant we were in our thirteenth year with the rally starting on Friday 13^th June. Triskaidekaphobics were going to have a field day, after last years deluge we were all set for the plague of frogs.

In the event Friday dawned sunny and fair and set the scene weather-wise for the weekend. As Friday wore on the farm started to get that unmistakable buzz as final preparations were made and stall holders and rallyists started to arrive. By teatime the number of tents in the field was starting to grow and early arrivals were sitting in the farmyard savouring their first beers and preparing themselves for the nights entertainment. In no time at all streams of bikes started to arrive and the first band Joshua Four were tuning up and getting ready to play their own brand of riff driven rock with a few well known covers in between. Judging by the numbers going to listen to them they were going down well and setting the atmosphere up nicely for Chill the main band of the evening. By the time they started the party was in full swing with the bar doing brisk trade, people tucking in to the excellent food prepared by the farmer and checking out the stalls. As the evening wore on Chill were replaced by Trog playing his own eclectic mix of tracks and helping keep the party going until the small hours.

Saturday saw most people heading into Edinburgh for the demo run, this year aiming to ensure adequate bike parking in the proposed enlarged regulated parking area. Here the gremlins seemed about to strike in earnest with the Police indicating that for the first time they would not be able to assist the run throughout its length and requiring full compliance with traffic regulations rather than the traditional escorted run. In the event the six bikes provided were able to usher the 400 or so bikes through most junctions safely and their only complaint was that we should have been given the same level of Police support as any other demonstration. Thanks guys.

Winding down after the run gave us the chance to gather EVSC petition signatures talk to people and pass out treasure hunt information to those wanting a scenic route back to the rally.

Back at the rally site, much busier than when we’d left, the party was starting afresh, but this time with people in serious party mode. Kev sporting his own trophy a fresh laid egg caught direct from a chicken he was chasing, while others made for the barn to savour the Shackled, Deaf Heights, Makossa and Spank the plank, playing everything from Thrash to Cajun with African reggae/rock and traditional rock covers. If that wasn’t enough another barn was set aside providing House, old school and reggae dance sounds, something for everyone. We hope so, and judging from the compliments received on Sunday a rally everyone enjoyed.

To quote Billy from the MAG stall NEVER before have we been made so welcome. MANY, MANY THANKS EDINBURGH MAG. The rally was FANTASTIC. The people were unbelievable. The FOOD was the BEST I have ever tasted at a Rally (thanks again to all from West Torphin Farm). WE WILL BE BACK (in fact I was so impressed I have pre-booked my spot for the next ten years)

So join Billy and make a date in your diary for next year’s Ag Ol anns an Acadh rally on 4th – 6th June 2004 you will be assured a warm friendly welcome.