VINTAGE and classic car enthusiasts are gearing up to celebrate a whole host of special automotive birthdays at a major Scottish festival of motoring.

Organisers of the Borders Vintage Automobile Club Classic event have already said the central theme is “The Year of the Mini” as the British icon celebrates its 60th anniversary.

But 2019 also marks Renault and Fiat’s 120th anniversary, Bentley and Citroen’s centenary, the Rover P4’s 70th birthday and 60th celebrations for the Rolls-Royce Phantom V, Jaguar Mk2, Triumph Herald and Austin Healey 3000.

Lindsay Grime, from Kelso, with her 1961 Austin Cooper S and Robin Wild, from St Boswells, with his 1949 Bentley Special at Thirlestane Castle

Meanwhile, the Ford Capri and Porsche 914 hit 50 and more modern cars such as the Lotus M100 and Mazda MX-5 turn 30.

The BVAC Classic takes place on Sunday, June 2, with more than 1200 classic and vintage vehicles of all kinds descending on Thirlestane Castle, Lauder.

And in anticipation of what promises to be a superb event, 1961 Austin Cooper S driver Lindsay Grime, of Kelso, and 1949 Bentley Special owner Robin Wild, from St Boswells, met up at the castle to promote the festival.

Go to www.bvac.org.uk to find out more about the club and its activities.

The 1961 Austin Cooper S and 1949 Bentley Special at Thirlestane Castle