Fine piece of Orkney motoring history goes on sale for £225,000
By Gillian Wylie
(From The Orcadian dated December 20, 2001)

"Cutting a dash", chairman of Highland Park Distillery, Mr Walter Grant, sits at the wheel of his Bentley at Hillhead near Kirkwall.

Orcadians with £225,000 to spare might be interested in buying what is undoubtedly a fine piece of Orkney history.

Still bearing its original Orkney numberplates BS 1162 – this four and a half litre, 1928 Bentley, described as the “ultimate gentleman’s express” of the period, has been put on the market for a cool £225,000.

Derek Mowat of the the Dunstane House Hotel in Edinburgh, explained the car’s significance in Orkney. He said that during the early part of the 20th century, the car belonged to chairman of Highland Park Distillery, Mr Walter Grant.

Mr Grant who lived at Hillhead, just outside Kirkwall, also owned Trumland House in Rousay – which he used as a weekend retreat.

Mr Mowat stated: “Walter Grant took delivery of a brand new Bentley four and a half litre in Vanden Plas coachwork, finished in British Racing Green – registration BS 1162 – supplied by Rossleigh garages, Edinburgh. This model was the absolute ultimate “Gentleman’s Express” in this period.”

He added that a regular Orcadian customer to his Edinburgh Hotel – 89-year-old Mrs Hunter, originally from St Margaret’s Hope – still recalls Mr Grant and his automobile in Orkney.

“She was manageress of the Kirkwall Hotel during World War Two and can remember Walter Grant stopping off at the Kirkwall Hotel with his car to entertain some of his clients and business associates in the 1940s.”

Walter died in April 1947, and the car then passed to his wife, until her death in February 1958.

Will it return to Orkney roads? This 1928 Orkney-registered Bentley awaits a new owner after over 40 years in Devon.

“It was then bought by John G. Nicolson’s garage in Kirkwall, who had serviced and maintained the car for Mr Grant throughout his ownership and who passed it on to a Mr Michael Woodcock in Dorset, who has owned it ever since.”

The car, as Mr Mowat states, is in remarkably original condition: “There was £40,000 spent on it two years ago, but it is mainly original and the interior is all original.”

With a price tag of £225,000, it will not, of course, be within everyone’s reach. But Mr Mowat says: “It’s not just an ordinary car – it’s extra special.”

“This is a remarkable piece of Orcadian motoring history still on its original BS 1162 numberplate as supplied new. Wouldn’t it be great to see her back in Orkney?”

Anyone who would like to know more about the car, can contact Mr Mowat on 0131 337 6169.