Who Are We?
Our Beginnings
The Caithness & Sutherland Vintage & Classic Vehicle Club was founded by three passionate vintage motorcycle enthusiasts. The idea was first discussed in the Bentley Bar of the Portland Arms Hotel, with the initial plan to form a Caithness branch of the Vintage Motorcycle Club.
The club's first leadership team included Bert Gunn as Chairman, Bert Mowat as Secretary, and Johnnie Begg as Treasurer. It took about a year of local outreach to gather a group of like-minded enthusiasts and officially establish the club.
A Growing Group
As the club held meetings and rallies—then known simply as "runs"—it quickly attracted a broader range of vehicle enthusiasts. Members began attending events further afield, including the North of Scotland Rally in Kildrummy. Inspired by these experiences, the club organized its own rally in Caithness.
The first rally saw vehicles gather at John O’ Groats before traveling through Castletown and Thurso, finishing at the Portland Arms Hotel in Lybster. The event concluded with an impromptu dance in the hotel ballroom, marking the start of a long tradition of camaraderie and celebration.
Who Is It For?
As membership grew, so did the variety of vehicles. Enthusiasts of tractors, commercial vehicles, and stationary engines began joining, prompting the club to expand beyond motorcycles. This led to a name change, becoming the Caithness & Sutherland Vintage Vehicle Club.
In December 1986, the club officially registered with Companies House, adding "Ltd" to its name. As the years passed, interest in classic vehicles (those over 25 years old) surged among members. To reflect this broader focus, the club was renamed once more in February 2012, adopting its current title:
Caithness & Sutherland Vintage & Classic Vehicle Club Ltd (C&SVCVC)
Continuing The Legacy
Today, the club continues to celebrate vintage and classic vehicles through seasonal runs, rallies, and events that bring enthusiasts together from across the region. Whether it's a beautifully restored motorcycle, a classic car, or a historic tractor, all are welcome in our growing community.
