Jim Clark Rally backs closed-road step forward
Organisers of the Jim Clark Rally have backed the move made by the Scottish Government last week, the first step in allowing closed-road motorsport to return to the nation.
The wording of a new law was released last week. It would bring Scotland in line with recent changes in England and Wales in allowing the local authority and the governing body of UK motorsport – Motorsport UK – to grant road closure permits for motorsport.
The Jim Clark hasn’t been able to run since members of the media died in an accident while spectating in 2014, and since then an issue with insurance in Scotland’s current legislation to allow road closures has stopped it and the Mull Rally returning.
Jim Clark Rally manager Russel Blood said: “The news that the process has reached this stage has heartened the whole Jim Clark Rally organising team. Over the past 12 months the team have been working on plans to bring rallying back to the Berwickshire area and we are indebted to the support we have received from Scottish Borders Council and Police Scotland. If and when we get the go ahead we have plans in place, but for now, a final timescale will have to wait till the legislative process is finally concluded.”
Rally chairman Professor Dan Wright MBE added: “It is indeed most encouraging to note the progress that has been made to reach this stage.”