Aberdeenshire Council backs bid to bring World Rally Championship to north-east Scotland
Aberdeenshire Council has agreed to be part of a joint bid to potentially host a round of the World Rally Championship in the north-east of Scotland.
At a full meeting of the council today (Thursday), councillors gave support to the plan to submit a formal bid to hold the rally over 2027-2029.
The event would be delivered in partnership between Motorsport UK, EventScotland, and the three councils, subject to the bid being successful.
Councillors were told that hosting a stage of the championship would provide the opportunity to showcase Aberdeenshire to a truly global audience through television and streaming coverage, highlighting the area as a capable and attractive venue for international events, as well as boosting tourism.
The importance of sustainability in the development of the WRC was also a feature of the debate and aligns with the Regional Economic Strategy.
However, there was also significant discussion on the current pressures on council budgets - and more widely across the public sector - and the impact of this on the council services.
To that end, a model has been put in place to ensure the contribution will not come from core council budgets.
Speaking in the meeting co-leader Cllr Stewart Adams said: “I do note the financial commitment required and the associated challenge this brings in these very difficult economic circumstances.
"The World Rally Championship is watched by over 1.3 billion people worldwide, with an international fanbase and a proven record of delivering significant economic and social benefits to host regions.”
Co-leader Cllr Anne Stirling said: “This initiative is about more than motorsport - it is about ambition, partnership, and legacy, but not at any cost.
"The WRC will bring tens of thousands of visitors to our region, boost our local economy, and inspire pride in our communities. The event’s focus on sustainability and innovation is a perfect match for Aberdeenshire’s strengths as Europe’s energy capital and a leader in the transition to net zero.
"I recognise the financial challenges we face, and the potential criticism that investing in such an event may generate, but I believe the report and amended recommendations provides a balanced and responsible approach to funding, with clear conditions and safeguards.”
Initially, the request was for the council to commit to contributing a £1 million a year bid.
Following a vote, councillors agreed to back the bid but committing a reduced contribution, and with that contribution coming from Grampian Venture Capital Fund as well as sponsorship.
It was also agreed that a request will be made to the Scottish Government for closing the funding gap.
Cllr Judy Whyte, chairing the meeting, said: “We very much recognise the importance of global sporting events, and the wider community benefits they offer, and welcome the opportunity to support efforts to bring the event to the north-east of Scotland.
“The event would be a great opportunity to showcase Aberdeenshire and the north-east of Scotland as a whole, and we hope the bid to bring the World Rally Championship to the north-east is successful.”
Aberdeenshire Council will sign a ‘statement of intent’ to support the championship if the bid is successful.
There was a vote with the results as below –
• Cllr Adams tabled supporting the event with a reduced financial contribution. (39)
• Cllr Petrie tabled a change to the recommendations which would have removed a financial contribution. (19)
There was a vote prior to this, at which four members voted for an earlier amendment by Cllr Lonchay.