This weekend sees the return of the biggest motorbike show north of the border, as Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Showground plays host to the annual Carole Nash MCN Scottish Motorcycle Show.
Once again, the two-day extravaganza provides an eclectic mix of new bikes, club displays, biking bargains and live action indoors and out.
Local stunt legend Kevin Carmichael will be using the show to mark his debut as a factory KTM rider. The Ayrshire rider, a former European stunt champion, switches to the Austrian brand after over a decade on Triumphs. Kevin will perform three shows each day, with his great friend and four-wheeled counterpart, Terry Grant, also performing three 30 minute sets each day. The two have been known to collaborate from time to time, meaning that we might even get the chance to see some six-wheeled action in the live arena!
Indoors, the Knockhill stage will be a hub for celebrity interviews and quiz shows. Scottishmotorcycling’s first family, the Mackenzies, will be at the show all weekend, with father Niall (a three-time British superbike champion and multiple 500cc Grand Prix podium finisher) joined by sons Tarran and Taylor. Taylor won the national superstock 1000 championship last year, earning himself a ride in British superbikes on the new Suzuki GSX-R1000 in 2017, while Tarran is the current British supersport champion and will defend his title on a new Yamaha YZF-R6. They’ll be joined on stage by Scotland’s most promising world championship racers, with 15-year-old hotshot Rory Skinner and Moto3 race winner John McPhee scheduled to appear across the two days.
Honda’s ever popular ‘My First Licence’ will be running on both days, giving primary school aged kids as young as five an opportunity to try out a miniature motorcycle and learn about road safety, while Motoscotland, the government endorsed off-road training course, will be running off-road taster sessions over the weekend. Both riding attractions are likely to prove hugely popular and are available on a first come, first served basis.
Once again, Clydebank-based House of Custom, who specialise in building trick Harley-Davidson Sportsters, will have a large presence at the show, while the hall dedicated to clubs and classic bikes is always a huge attraction where you can wander around and spend the day bletherin’ with likeminded souls. Sponsored by Classic Bike magazine, there are expected to be more than 30 clubs in attendance, with more than 350 classic and vintage motorcycles on display.
As well as attracting visitors from all across Scotland, the Carole Nash MCN Scottish Motorcycle Show is also a popular weekend attraction for families and those travelling from further afield. There are usually plenty of Irish and North East accents to be heard at the show, and with the Royal Highland Showground within walking distance of Edinburgh International Airport, what better excuse do you need to spend a weekend at one of Britain’s most cosmopolitan cities?
Tickets cost £17 on the door (under 12s go free) or £13 in advance (booking fee applies). For more information or to prebook, head to www.scottishmotorcycleshow.com
