Shane Buckley in Scottish return this weekend

Shane Buckley will return to competitive action on this weekend’s Argyll Rally in Scotland – his first event since the 2020 Birr Rally.

As sporting restrictions slowly begin to lift all over Europe, this weekend’s two-day rally marks the first rally in Scotland since the global pandemic raised its ugly head.

London-based Buckley has teamed up with fellow London Irish Motor Club member Anthony O’Brien in a Mitsubishi Lancer E10. They are seeded 34

 for the 13 stage rally. It will be O’Brien’s fist start since the 2019 Rallye Salamandre in Belgium

The event gets underway at 18.42 on Friday evening with two spectator stages in Doon town centre.

However the organisers are still unsure of what restrictions are in place and if spectators can or cannot attend stages or visit the service park

“Whilst we have the backing of local and regional Councils, Police forces and authorities, there are many aspects of the restrictions that have still not been lifted and with no firm date for those restrictions being relaxed, we have to wait for further clarification nearer the time,” Clerk of the Course Chris Woodcock explained.

“This means that we cannot confirm what, if any spectator access will be available to the event at the moment. We understand this is incredibly frustrating but we are at the mercy of the government restrictions on gatherings at the present time and are of course working hard to allow fans to watch the action out on the stages.”

Three more closed road stages bring the opening leg to a conclusion after 9pm on Friday night.

Saturday’s leg includes eight closed road special stages between 9.53 and 15.40.