Imp Ecosse 2024 Balloch Update

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WELCOME TO IMP ECOSSE 2024

A warm welcome to the shores of Loch Lomond and Imp Ecosse 2024.
This is a first for Imp Ecosse with the event making its debut in West Central Scotland. The event will be based at the Queen of the Loch hotel in Balloch. West Dunbartonshire. Across the road from the hotel is Lomond Woods Holiday Park with the town of Balloch a short walk away.
Close by are numerous historic and interesting places to visit. There are several restaurants, pubs, shops etc. all within walking distance of the hotel and holiday park. And some of the best driving roads in Central Scotland with stunning scenery around every corner.
On the West side of the Loch, there are nature walks, Cameron House Hotel and the Boathouse Marina and Restaurant which can be accessed via the Old Luss Road and further north, Duck Bay Marina.
On the East side is Balloch Park, Balloch Castle and several nature walks follow the river up the Loch and beyond.
To the North of the hotel is Loch Lomond Shores shopping centre and the Sealife Aquarium. Just past the aquarium is the paddle steamer Maid of the Loch, which is currently being renovated on the slipway. The old Pump Room which provided the motive power to drag the ships up the slip way is open for visits.
Close by is the old Argyle Car Factory in Alexandria. The factory opened in June 1906 and covered 12 acres (4.9 ha). After running into financial difficulties, the works and its employees were taken over by the Admiralty as a munitions factory during the First World War. It was briefly a silk works, but remained empty for most of the interwar period. In 1937, it was repurchased by the Admiralty and reopened as the Royal Naval Torpedo Factory, which operated into the 1950s.
Today all that remains is the façade which houses a small shopping centre trading as Lomond Galleries. And within the shopping centre is a lonely Singer Chamois next to the stunning marble staircase.
For those who are planning to arrive early, there are numerous places of interest to visit such as:-
• Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
• Dumbarton (castle and Overtoun House)
• Bowling (boat basin)
• Helensburgh (the Hillhouse)
• Cardross (church)
• Fastlane (keeping us all safe and the old Peace Camp)
Further afield we have:-
• Drymen (picturesque village and Buchanan Castle)
• Devils Pulpit (stunning film location with challenging access)
• Dumgoyne (distillery)
• Campsie Alps (scenic views)
• Mudock Country Park
At the time of publication, we have 32 cars and 60 plus people expressing an interest in attending the weekend.

PROGRAMME
FRIDAY 19 APRIL
Arrive and Register to collect your Welcome Pack (route sheets, local goodies, gifts etc.)
Registration will be at:-
Morning – Tourist Office in Ballock next to the bridge (weather permitting)
Afternoon - Sweeny’s Cruise car park at the riverside (weather permitting)
Evening – Queen of the Loch Hotel (and any other time if the weather gods don’t as they have been telt!)
Cruise on the Loch - Meet at Sweeny’s car park for 16.00 to leave on the cruise at 16.30, returning to the dock at 17.30.
Evening - There are numerous places to eat, drink and socialize either in the in the Hotel, Holiday Park or in village. A great time to catch up with your Imp chums.
If you are not staying in the Hotel, you are welcome to join us.
SATURDAY 20 APRIL
10.30am. The Run leaves from the Queen of the Loch Hotel car park. However, please leave when you wish either in groups or with friends. The suggested route is around 100 miles with a lunch halt but you do not have to stick to the route and can stop off at any interesting places on the way; there are plenty to choose from. There is also a shorter loop should you wish to stay closer to the hotel.
Dinner - 7pm in the Queen of the Loch Hotel. The dining room has been reserved for Imp Ecosse, however, there is plenty room in the bar area should we overspill. Then the Imp Ecosse Fun Quiz and Raffle. Please bring along any raffle prize donations in a sealed gift bag before Dinner.
Please purchase lots of Raffle tickets as this is our only income from the weekend.
Note that we have had an extremely generous donation of some interesting Whisky’s from an ex Imp rally driver and Clan racer; so dig deep. There will also be some interesting alternative items included just to mix it up a bit.
SUNDAY 21 APRIL
10.30 am. Display of Imps in the Queen of the Loch Hotel car park. If not staying in the hotel, please bring your Imp/variant over.
10.30 to 11.30am. Judging of Imps using voting form in your pack. Please submit all forms by 11.30am.
12 noon. Presentation of trophies.
13.00 Sunday Run. National Drive It Day. For Sunday afternoon, we have a shorter route which includes a lunch stop at the old factory and office site.
Safe journey home for those leaving on Sunday.
7pm. Dinner in the Links Hotel for those staying another night.
MONDAY 24 APRIL
Homeward bound after breakfast. Safe journey home.
PETROL - 2 Petrol Stations in Balloch as shown on the Town Map both stock E5 Petrol, although supplies can be limited at times.
HOSPITAL – near by as shown on the Town Map
CONTACT NUMBERS Alex Knox 07836 716223

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Imp Ecosse 2024 Balloch
Update 15th March 2024
As per usual, last minutes changes to previously advised activities.
Cruise on the Loch Friday, Sweeneys dock 16.00 for 16.30
Those going on the cruise, to get the discounted rate (£14.50) I have been advised by the cruise company that it has to be paid in advance (by Thursday).
Therefore, if you want the discounted rate, please pay the total amount (number of passangers x £14.50) to the following bank account:-
· Sort Code 87-43-16
· Account Number 00069062
· Account Name A and K Knox
Please add your name and number of travellers as a reference.

Saturday Scenic Run
According to Traffic Scotland, the A83 has been impacted by the recent heavy rainfall to such an extent that they are continuing to use the Old Military Road. It may be that we get the chance to run down the OMR on our route back to Balloch. If not, we can park up at the car park for photo opportunities. It will be decided by Traffic Scotland on the day and be part of the mystery that is Glen Croe.

Hotel Bookings
As the lead organiser (according to the hotel) I have received an early check-in email for one of the parties, which I have forwarded on. Presume you will all receive a similar email.

Tee Shirts
Have a sample tee shirt made locally. However, in order to get a better price, I plan to have one single order from an internet company. Shirts will be made to order as required.

Poster
Have a very good picture of the old office block that I managed to obtain from the old office manager; destruct, scan, reassemble and return. It will be to order as required.
The office manager may be able to open up the foyer on the Sunday to let us get a photo on the staircase; maybe.

Other Stuff
Have goody bags with rally plates, run routes, liquid refreshments, event keepsake, stuff to rot yer teeth oot etc. made up for those who have indicated attendance.
Raffle prizes coming along. Quiz finished. Run routes finished and typed up. Printer burnt oot.
Still bits and bobs to do, hope Bob doesn’t mind.
Regards
Alex
Imp Ecosse 2024 Balloch organiser

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Update 18th March 2024
Cruise on the Loch Friday, Sweeneys dock 16.00 for 16.30
Still chasing early payments for the Friday cruise, if you are going, please pay so that we can all take advantage of the discounted rate. Those going on the cruise, to get the discounted rate (£14.50) I have been advised by the cruise company that it has to be paid in advance (by Thursday COB).
Therefore, if you want the discounted rate, please pay the total amount (name, number of passengers x £14.50) to the following bank account:-
· Sort Code 87-43-16
· Account Number 00069062
· Account Name Alexander Knox
Please add your name and number of travellers as a reference, or pay via PayPal at akccknox@aol.com