CLYDEBANK has been chosen as the Scottish starting point for the world-famous Monte Carlo car rally next year.

The event will see dozens of classic vehicles flagged off from Aurora Avenue in the West Dunbartonshire town and is expected to bring thousands of visitors to the area.

The cars will set off through the streets on Wednesday, January 30, as they begin their 1,500-mile dash to Monaco in the South of France.

It is the second time the town has hosted the prestigious race, with people coming from all over the country to watch it start in Clydebank in 2012.

West Dunbartonshire was offered the opportunity to host the official start line once again after establishing a drivers’ stopover in Dalmuir Park for last year’s event.

The Cultural Committee approved the plan at a meeting earlier this week.

Convener Baillie Denis Agnew said: “It is a real privilege to welcome the Monte Carlo Classic Car Rally back to Clydebank.

“The event is famous around the world and should hopefully bring a significant economic benefit to our area.

“When we last hosted the rally, not only did we have drivers from all over the country, but also visitors from throughout the UK. This event projects West Dunbartonshire onto a world platform.

“We look forward to extending our warm welcome once again to organisers, participants and spectators.”

Douglas Anderson, the UK co-ordinator of the event and the man responsible for bringing the Monte start back to Scotland a few years ago, added: “It’s wonderful to have the Scottish start returning to Clydeside.

“The event grows in stature every year and we’re confident the 2019 event will attract another record number of entries and crowds to match to wave them off on their drive to the sunshine in the South of France.

“They’ll all be sharing the magic of the Monte.”

The event will see classic cars available for viewing by the public from 3pm, with the rally beginning at 6pm.

The event runs over eight days finishing in Monte Carlo on February 7