Polkemmet proposal

Sir, It was of great interest to read your synopsis of the proposed motor racing circuit at Polkemmet. It is correct to say that Motor Circuit Developments was approached by the promoters of the Scottish National Motor Racing Circuit, but only after outline planning had been obtained and the plans for the circuit closely considered. Your report mentions local opposition but, if I remember correctly, there was none. As far as the Coal Board was concerned the local Regional Manager was an enthusiastic member of the Ecurie Ecosse Association and wholeheartedly in favour of the circuit.

It was clay not coal which complicated the mineral question. There are heavy deposits of clay in this part of Scotland and they were owned by a company separate from the National Coal Board but they too saw the point of the circuit and were prepared to delay any extraction. Wimpey had gone on its own to produce an extremely interesting type of road surface which would be proof against the extraction of minerals. Most of my Board felt that it was essential to have close ties with Motor Circuit Developments and indeed a joint venture because of the international problem of obtaining a sufficient number of dates in the motor racing calendar. Without this the high cost of a Grand Prix standard circuit could not have produced a viable proposition.

The Earl of Elgin and Kincardine,
Broomhall, Dunfermline.