Thunder in the Glens stalwart 'Mad Dog' Maguire gives assurances on Highland venue
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The key man behind the Thunder in the Glens rally has stressed that there are no plans to relocate the Harley Davidson gathering from Aviemore.
George 'Mad Dog' Maguire has said there is absolutely no intention of cutting the long-standing ties with the village and wider strath.
There have been fears that plans to put in housing at the hard-standing used to accommodate much of the rally at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort could drive the bikers away.
Several thousand Harley Davidson riders and their families and friends attend Thunder in the Glens over the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of August.
The event generates hundreds of thousands of pounds for the local economy at the end of the traditional summer season, as well as being an event that locals look forward to.
Mr Maguire, of the Dunedin Chapter which looks after the event, posted on social media: "I understand that people living in Aviemore are concerned that TITG will not return to Aviemore after this year or if the current planning application for building on the Macdonald site gets approval.
"Please be assured as organisers of TITG, Dunedin Chapter have no plans to move the rally anywhere else.
"Over 25 years we have built up great relationships with the village, its residents and businesses. Without the support of the village and local sponsors it would not be the successful event it has become.
"Please be assured that we will always look to keep TITG in Aviemore and will find solutions to any challenges put in front of us.
"We are already excited to be with you all again in August for our 25th anniversary rally."
Related article:
Plans for up to 180 houses at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort
The rally had one year briefly away from Aviemore when it relocated to Perth but bikers then clambered for the return to Aviemore.
One of the big appeals is the superb local scenery for Saturday's traditional mass ride-out as well as the close links that have now been established between the bikers and locals.
