Paisley has said goodbye to the Monte Carlo Classic Rally as Clydebank was chosen as the new starting point for the famous event. 

Renfrewshire Council made the decision to pull out of hosting the official beginning of the mammoth 1,500 mile race to Monaco – which sees hoards of vintage cars go head to head.

The local authority has instead decided to concentrate its efforts on events which generate more cash for the area’s economy.

However, it was a fond farewell to the race after being the designated starting point each year since 2014.

A spokesman for the council said: “We are delighted the Monte Carlo Classic Rally has found a new home just across the water from Renfrewshire.

“We had a great time hosting the rally for the past five years and wish all the best to our friends on the start committee for the future.

“Our growing events programme is designed to boost our visitor economy and means we are refocusing our resources on the events that research tells us generates the highest visitor numbers and economic impact.

“That has meant taking some events out of calendar to make way for new investment.

“Our 2018 events have already pumped £1.25 million into the Renfrewshire economy, with over 70,000 attendees at big days out including Paisley Food and Drink Festival, Sma’ Shot Day/Weave and the British Pipe Band Championships.

“We have seen visitor numbers to Renfrewshire increase by 26 per cent over the past two years and we are committed to seeing those figures grow further.

“The forthcoming Spree Festival and Paisley’s Halloween Festival – an EventScotland signature event for Scotland’s Year of Young People – are firm local favourites and will once again put Paisley on the must-see UK festivals calendar.”