Mull Car Club (MCC) has submitted a formal request to Motorsport UK for an Event Organising Permit to hold the 2025 Dunoon Presents Argyll Rally.
If approved, MCC will be able to place its plans with Argyll and Bute Council, including two new rural stage routes for the rally scheduled for June 20-21 next year.
While many motorsport enthusiasts welcome the initial preparations as a sign of the rally’s return, some residents, particularly those living along the event’s route, remain concerned.
One focal point of this tension is the B8000 Loch Fyneside road, known by rally organisers as the “Oyster Catcher” stage, which will be closed to traffic for substantial periods across the rally weekend. Under The Motor Sport on Public Roads (Scotland) Regulations 2019, public roads may be closed for motorsport events, contingent on the necessary permissions from Motorsport UK and Argyll and Bute Council.
If permitted, the Oyster Catcher stage will close to public access between 9.15pm on Friday, June 20, and 2.45am on Saturday, reopening briefly before closing again from 8am to 1pm.
These closures, along with the addition of two new stage routes from Otter Ferry to Kilfinan and a stretch south of Millhouse, are particularly contentious.
The first new section, locally called the “Bealach,” will close twice—first from Friday night until early Saturday morning and then again for most of Saturday.
Community concerns over road closures have led to the formation of a group, B8000 Against the Rally Stages (BARS), by affected residents. Catriona Renfrew of BARS expressed the group’s worries: “The Bealach closure for a total of 15 hours is highly disruptive. The impact on residents and businesses, while perhaps affecting fewer people, is severe and disproportionate. The rally also disrupts access to Dunoon, a vital route for work and essential services.”
Ms Renfrew was particularly critical of the night stages, which she described as “completely unacceptable,” citing excessive noise and potential disturbance as serious issues for residents along the route. “Racing 140 cars in the middle of the night, near homes, is simply untenable. Even with reduced closures compared to 2024, the disruption remains unacceptable for our community, especially as rally cars traverse single-track roads,” she added.
Responding to these concerns, Sam Spencer, the rally’s clerk of the course, defended MCC’s approach, explaining that the proposed route for the 2025 rally had been altered based on feedback from the previous year’s event.
“The 2025 route has significant changes, including sections previously unused and adjustments made in response to concerns,” he said. Spencer added that Strachur Community Council held a meeting to discuss the rally on September 25, attended by representatives from MCC and Argyll and Bute Council, along with residents both inside and outside Strachur’s area.
Addressing criticism from BARS, Spencer refuted claims that MCC ignored feedback. “We took into account all feedback received and adjusted the route accordingly. We maintain a constructive relationship with local Community Councils and are committed to balancing the rally’s benefits with its unavoidable impact on residents,” he stated. Spencer also emphasised the rally’s economic contribution to the area, with an estimated impact of over £300,000 annually and positive publicity for Dunoon and Cowal.
MCC highlighted strong local support for the rally and expressed frustration over opposition efforts they believe do not fully consider the event’s advantages. “While a small group opposes the rally, the majority support it, understanding its substantial benefits to our area,” Spencer concluded.
However, Ms Renfrew remained firm in her stance, citing disruptions to local businesses and residents as unacceptable. “The rally causes significant losses for businesses, affects daily commutes, and results in noise pollution. There is no benefit for our community,” she argued.
As Motorsport UK reviews MCC’s permit application, tensions between rally organisers and local residents underscore the challenge of balancing regional economic benefits with community concerns over accessibility and
quality of life.
