With mechanical failure in less than a mile in the Pirelli International at Gateshead and with a spectator crashing into the back of their car before the first stage of the Scottish rally in Dumfries, they claim they’ve had to do something to counteract their bad luck.

With Edinburgh’s Jim Clark Rally just around the corner (the only closed public road rally in mainland Britain), Neil and Anna have contacted Edinburgh’s infamous phantom – Adam Lyal (deceased) who conducts the capital’s Witchery Tours. Although this may sound like an odd approach to make, Neil insisted it made perfect sense. “We heard Adam Lyal knew Edinburgh, Leith and Berwickshire like the back of his hand. Although Adam looks a little like an extra from a 1950s Hammer Horror movie, we thought he was the perfect person to contact. He’ll provide extra knowledge of the rally route on Thursday’s recce”.

Adam said, “I was bowled over when Anna confirmed she’d relinquish her pace notes for a day. I genuinely believe my local knowledge of the area and my associations with the Witchery Tours might just change their luck”.

Adam Lyal (deceased) will be on hand at Leith’s Ocean Terminal on rally night (Friday 4th July) to send Neil and Anna on their way. Adam plans to recite his lucky Edinburgh poem, and give them his ‘fortuitous foot’ just before they set off. “I’ve been told my ceremony brings good luck to people”, said Adam.

Anna said, “I think Adam Lyal (deceased) could just be the spectral presence we require to change our run of bad fortune. Nothing ventured nothing gained”.

You can witness this ‘lucky’ ceremony on CBM Motorsport’s Mini “Mildred” by the pale-faced Adam Lyal at Ocean Terminal, Leith Edinburgh on Friday 4th July 2003 between 7pm – 8.10pm.

For more information see www.witcherytours.com

Adam Lyal and the World famous Witchery Tours can be contacted on 0131 225 6745 or lyal@witcherytours.demon.co.uk – be sure to visit whilst in Edinburgh!