Ariel HT3
HUGH CONFIDED THAT THE HT3’S SAVIOUR was actually Martin, a biker who is also ‘weel-kent’ in Tillicoultry for being a hoarder first, and motorcyclist second. Although they were lifelong friends, Hugh mentioned that he couldn’t ever recall having seen Martin ride a motorcycle – despite the ‘collector’s’ known obsession for Scott and Ariel motorcycles. Even when Martin managed to buy the Ariel from the ‘wild bunch’, it was immediately spirited away to a large shed outside his house.
There it festered for more than 40 years, never seeing the light of day or turning a wheel. But one day Martin would make a start on restoring his HT3, more of which follows.
During my discussions with Hugh, what became obvious was not only did this Ariel have a well-known history, but also it would appear to have never left Clackmannanshire.
THE TILLICOULTRY PIT BOYS
As the HT3’s story unfolded, Hugh revealed that one of my own friends and SCMC member, Jake Beatson, was once a ‘Tilly Pit Boy’, so he was quite familiar with the little trail bike. Naturally I called him up, and he was delighted to recall one illuminating tale about the Ariel’s forgotten history.
“When I was 16 years old the Ariel belonged to a friend of mine from Glendevon,” said Jake. “He offered it to me for a fiver, which unfortunately I
