Some of the finest classic cars in the world added more touches of glamour, luxury and verve to Ballathie House when their owners stayed with us in June 2010 after a successful visit in 2009.

Each year Scotland's most famous motor racing team, Ecurie Ecosse, organises a private tour for 25 friends whose cars have a total value of around £6 million. In 2009 they chose Ballathie and enjoyed it so much that this year they spent another four nights here, touring Aberdeenshire, Perthshire and Fife each day. One of the most valuable models was a Ferrari 275GTB4, owned by Sir Paul Vestey, which competed in the famous Le Mans 24 Hour Race in 1966. Vestey's co-driver was David Edwards, former organiser of the Classic Adelaide international rally, who flew in from Australia for the event. Another Australian taking part was Scott Shearmann with a classic Mercedes Benz 300SL which he transported by ship. Hugh McCaig, Patron, reformed the Ecurie Ecosse team in 1982 and under his patronage the team were World Champions in the Group C2 Championship in 1986. The team also won the Le Mans Races in 1956 and 1957 with its Jaguars. "Our guests had such a great time driving on local roads last year that we felt we had to come back," he commented.