Voly Grampian Forest Rally showcases the best of Scottish rallying
- Cat Lund
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
August 4, 2025
The Voly Grampian Forest Rally will take another bold step forward in 2025, and will partner with Carbon Positive Motorsport to provide competitors with carbon offsetting.
The Banchory-based event continues to evolve into one of the premier gravel rallies in the UK. Running on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 August, this year’s rally builds further on the successful two-day format introduced in 2024, with even more to offer competitors and fans.
Three major rally series will once again converge in the north-east of Scotland, as the Probite British Rally Championship (BRC) returns for a second consecutive year alongside the ultra-competitive Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship (SRC) and the ever-growing Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup IRE & UK.
With 56 competitive miles across the premium forest roads of Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire, a brand-new gravel spectator stage, enhanced fan engagement zones, and an unrivalled roster of championships, the 2025 edition promises to be a true celebration of British rallying in one of its finest natural settings.
Once again, the event is offering competitors the option to use Carbon Positive Motorsport's world class Woodland Carbon Code project based at Loch Ness in Scotland as part of the offsetting package. The project restores ancient lost woodlands with our native tree varieties, capturing carbon and improving local biodiversity. Together with Carbon Reduction Units that immediately offset emissions, registered competitors will offset 200% of the CO2e they generate.
The event is sponsored by Voly Crew Solutions, which rebranded from Voyonic in late 2024 following its acquisition by Voly Group, a leading software company in the yachting industry. The rebrand reflects the integration of Voyonic into the Voly Group portfolio and signals a unified approach to delivering best-in-class payroll and employment services across the maritime sector.
Organisers Stonehaven & District Motor Club have raised the bar with a revamped stage itinerary that now becomes its longest event in recent times, combining brand-new tests with much-loved favourites, while maintaining the Grampian’s reputation for smooth, flowing roads.
The King George V Park Rally Zone will once again act as the central hub for fans, and in 2025, it’s set to be even bigger and better. In a move designed to enhance public engagement, scrutineering will now take place in King George V Park in Banchory on Friday morning, allowing fans to get a rare close-up look at the technical side of rallying as teams prepare for battle.
All the competing cars gather late Friday afternoon for the Ceremonial Start, before heading into the evening stages. Spectators will enjoy a dedicated 30-minute window where drivers and co-drivers meet the public, sign autographs, take photos, and soak in the pre-stage excitement.
Carbon Positive Motorsport Ambassador, Matthew Hirst, is looking forward to tackling the event for the first time: "It's a fast gravel rally, and also includes a short spectator stage around the BA Stores compound. It’s not often that a British Championship round includes splits and merges, so I’m sure Dec will be sharpening his pencil to give me a stab if I fancy going around for a second lap!" he commented.
"We're looking forward to the challenge, but this is an event where committing to a strong set of pacenotes is essential. The limited visibility, due to the lack of clear sight lines, and the frequent long, tightening corners demand precision and a good ability to judge the length of each turn.
"As it’s our first time tackling these stages, we will be coming in with an open mind and a healthy respect for the local Scottish Rally Championship drivers, including David Bogie, Mark McCulloch, and John Wink, who are expected to go very well on home soil."
Across the weekend, the Rally Zone will be visited twice by the cars and will enjoy catering stalls, club and sponsor displays, commentary, and more. It will also be the location for the official prize-giving ceremony, with the top crews returning for podium celebrations and champagne spray after the final stage.
“We’re immensely proud of how the Grampian Forest Rally has developed in recent years, and for 2025 we’ve worked incredibly hard to refine and enhance every element,” said Clerk of the Course Graham Provest. “From the creation of all-new stages and spectator areas to improving access, facilities and fan zones, we’re committed to building an event that showcases the best of Scottish rallying while keeping things fresh for both fans and competitors.”
Carbon Positive Motorsport director, Paul Glass, added "We are delighted to work with the Voly Grampian Forest Rally again. This is now the 5th year or working with the event, and we're very grateful to the event organisers for their long-term support, and to all the competitors who are helping to make motorsport sustainable by choosing our offsetting package."
It only costs a little to make a big difference and Carbon Positive Motorsport are delighted to offer competitors and spectators a discount for offsetting their event fuel usage or event travel to the Voly Grampian rally using the discount code VOLY2025.
The Voly Grampian Rally takes place on the weekend of 8/9 August 2025 in Banchory. For more information visit grampianforestrally.com To offset your carbon emissions visit carbonpositivemotorsport.com or click the link below
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