Using my own machines and the photo's and memories of past and present owners, I hope to show just what made these bikes so special to many cyclists in Scotland and beyond and perhaps best summed up in this short passage courtesy of Archie Thomson; "I have fond memories of Rattrays at Murray Street in the 50's and 60's. It was the most complete bike shop you could ever ask for. On the ground floor was the main retail area with a large counter backed by a wall of shelves and little drawers which contained every conceivable thing you could want for a bike. The brown coated staff knew all the answers, and were all keen Flying Scot riders to a man. To the side was the door to the workshop, nobody was allowed in there, forbidden territory, but occasionally a dungareed individual in a cloth cap would emerge with a sparkling completed frameset and take it upstairs to hang with dozens of others, ready for its new owner. You were allowed up there, a veritable Aladdin's cave. In those days as well as racing, they were widely used for commuting, and touring, a familiar sight in the beautiful Scottish countryside, a role now sadly consigned to the motor car....sweet dreams are made of this!
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HISTORY In October 1900, David Rattray and his sister Agnes opened their first shop in McAslin Street, Glasgow. In doing so, they laid the foundations of a company that would go on to produce Scotland's premier lightweight bicycle, "The Scot", or perhaps better known as "The Flying Scot". Over a period of eighty-three years, their cycle shop would grow to become a focal point and meeting place for many cycle enthusiasts from Scotland and afar.... More GALLERY  These pages have become something of an unofficial Flying Scot Register and are, in the absence of the original production records, a good source for helping identify the various changes in style and construction that took place over the years.... MoreMODELS  Whilst Rattrays produced bicycles and frames under the specific names, "Continental Model" "Continental Supreme" and "Queen of Scots", there is no firm means of identifying one from another, other than in finish and specification..... MoreIDENTIFY  Apart from "how much is it worth" the most frequently asked questions on the website are "How old is my Flying Scot" ? and "How can I verify it is a Scot" Identifying the exact age of any Scot frame or bicycle can at best be difficult and at worst, almost impossible..... MoreARTICLES  A disparate collection of articles some related to the Scot's and some not. If you've any other articles to add of your own doing or would like to add a page for your own classic marque or speciality, please get in touch, and I'll host it here..... More |
Contributions (No money required)!
This is a non-profit making organisation of one (me and a computer, and as much time and money as I can spare...) It has no commercial value whatsoever. Any help is much appreciated, and for the benefit of the web site, and for anyone else who reads it.. Needless to say this is very much an amateur history effort, not "professional" with time for extended research or with access to vast resources. Do your bit to help keep this web site up-to-date, and constantly changing and to improve the accuracy. I am interested in anything remotely 'Scot' related, including former members of Rattray’s staff. Failing that if you own or have owned a Scot and particularly if you have photographs please contact me and your machine will be added to the gallery and “unofficial” register of Flying Scots.
If you've time, please also read here the sort of information I'm after to improve the site and it's accuracy..... More
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'The Flying Scot' website Copyright © 2011 Bob Reid - Last Updated
23-Oct-2011 8:38
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