Expanded and improved: the new Jim Clark Motorsport Museum opens after refit

The new Jim Clark Motorsport Museum has opened in Duns, in the Scottish Borders, following the completion of a £1.6m (US$2m, €1.78m) partnership project to enhance its displays.

Almost £635,000 of the funding was provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland, while Scottish Borders Council, Museums Galleries Scotland and The Jim Clark Trust have also contributed, along with individual donations from around the world. Charity Live Borders has also been involved in delivering, and now operating, the new museum.

Jim Clark was a two-time Formula One World Champion (1963 and 1965), winner of 25 Grands Prix as well as the Indy 500 race, before his death in a crash at Hockenheim, Germany, in 1968, aged 32.

The new museum includes two of Jim Clark’s race cars, as well as new image galleries, film footage, interactive displays and a simulator. There is also expanded exhibition space showcasing memorabilia and the trophy collection.

“The support from across Scotland and internationally for this project has been overwhelming and reflects the high esteem in which Jim is held, both amongst fellow racers and also those who were lucky enough to see Jim race in his day,” said Ben Smith, secretary of The Jim Clark Trust.

“In addition to the new museum, the Trust has been working on a variety of other complementary projects, including a Jim Clark Tourist Trail and a range of future events. Together with the museum these will bring more visitors to Duns and the wider Scottish Borders, and will ensure that Jim’s legacy lives on and continues to inspire future generations.”

Doug Niven, a trustee of The Jim Clark Trust and a cousin of the race legend, added that Clark was a humble man who would be astonished to see the museum honouring him. “I think he would be extremely proud that it sits here in Berwickshire ‒ his home town from a young age and at the heart of the community that embraced him and still feels such a connection to him to this day.”