CLARK MUSEUM TO EXPAND

Charity status boosts plans to build on Scottish legend’s legacy

Plans for a new Jim Clark Museum to open 50 years after his death have taken a step forward after the Jim Clark Trust was awarded official charity status.

The double Formula 1 world champion remains one of Scotland’s most famous sporting heroes and now plans are progressing to open a greatly expanded museum in his hometown of Duns in the Scottish borders. Clark died in an F2 race at Hockenheim in April 1968.

The Trust has been confirmed as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation to coincide with an application to The Heritage Lottery Fund. Scottish Borders Council has committed £600,000 to the £1.65million museum project and hopes to secure £700,000 from The Heritage Lottery Fund and an additional £300,000 through fundraising.

The new and expanded museum, set to open in spring 2018, should include an expansion of the current collection with trophies, pictures, an education zone linked to engineering, design and technology, film footage and some of the cars in which he raced.

The Trust, run by Clark’s family, will focus on the three themes of heritage, education and inspiration. Three new patrons have been appointed; Clark’s early mentor and close friend Ian Scott-watson, rally driver Andrew Cowan and Hugh Mccaig from Ecurie Ecosse.

Scott-watson said: “I am sure that those legions of fans who have visited the present Jim Clark Room and others from all over the world are looking forward to supporting this project and visiting the museum in time for the 50th anniversary of Jim’s tragic death.”