Rally - Stocious on Mull

The calm after the storm

After three days without strong drink, the mood has changed in Tobermory, the capital of British club rallying tonight. The streets may be empty but the four pubs are packed. They are full of rally jackets and embroidered shirts all telling bigger porkies than a convention of fishermen regaling groups of misbelievers about the one that got away.

The serious business of rallying has been dispatched, so now it's down to the silly business of explaining to incredulous friends and disbelieving service crews why he or she didn't win.

The mood is boisterous yet convivial, and marks the release of long hours of tension, concentration and some amazing feats of survival, speed and courage.

It was nice to see 'Chelle in the pub too, the co-driver of the car which crashed and burned: "It singed my shoelaces before I got out," she said, but nonplussed and all glammed up ready for a night on the town.

Rallying at this level, like any serious sport, makes great demands on mental ability and physical stamina, so when it stops, the body demands rest and recuperation. So what better way than to unwind in good company with essential lubrication.

And that sums up this 43rd running of the Mull Rally. And in case you hadn't guessed, the author of this latest drivel has been partaking of a few tinctures of Highland nectar prior to commitment to the written word.

Lang may yer exhaust reek.