Emergency responder tops podium at car race event

A Scottish Ambulance Service emergency responder topped the podium at an iconic community car race.

Nicole Ross, who has been with the Service since 2022 and works out of Lairg Station as a Technician, won Best Car of the Golspie Gala Banger Derby held recently.

The event, now in its 50th year, involves getting a cheap car and stripping everything from it, making sure it still runs.

“It also involves putting in a roll bar behind the driver’s seat, taking windows out and replacing them with wire or old metal crates.

Nicole said: “I didn't have a clue when I first started and was lucky to have my partner and his dad to strip the car and add protection to the front and underneath from stones and other debris when racing. It's a great event and the committee do a fantastic job organising it every year.”

The race itself has five rounds in total; three different heats for the men's, a ladies race and a 4x4 race. Then at the end there's a free-for-all if your car is still running.

Nicole said: “The event is completely safe. There's folk there who scrutineer the cars right at the very beginning to make sure you have followed the safety measures and if you haven't, they won't let you race!