Legacy lives on: Jim Clark Motorsport Museum reopens

A museum honouring the life and legacy of the Scottish Borders farmer and double Formula One World Champion Jim Clark has officially reopened today.

Sir Jackie Stewart, nicknamed the "Flying Scot" and a close friend of Jim Clark, unveiled a plaque to mark the day.

Over the past 15 months, the museum has seen a major £1.6m redevelopment following a five year fundraising campaign.

It has welcomed more than 5,000 visitors since opening its doors to the world in July.

Sir Jackie Stewart (Left), Jim Clark (Right) Credit: PA

Sir Jackie talked about his friendship with Jim Clark and the racing career he shared with him over the years.

When he was asked what it was like to race against the borders legend he simply said: "It was not very good. I seen a lot of Jim Clark's backend."

Despite often coming second behind him, he described how he learned "everything he needed to learn", to become a world champion driver, from 'Jimmy.'

Sir Jackie was joined by three-time Le Mans winner Allan McNish. The pair took part in a Q&A session outside of the museum's doors, discussing the differences between motorsport, back in the 1960s, to today.

It's located in the centre of Jim Clark's of Duns, and will be closed to visitors until 3pm while the ceremony is taking place.

Jim Clark with the Mervyn O'Gorman Trophy after winning the British Grand Prix in a Lotus-Ford. Credit: PA
  • From farmer to F1 driver: who was Jim Clark?

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In 1969, the original memorial room for the racing legend opened with trophies from competitions he took part in all over the world.

Now, 50 years on, the revitalised museum displays an array of memorabilia and two of Jim's iconic race cars - a Lotus 25 and Lotus Cortina.

A collection of over 100 trophies from his incredible career, gifted by his parents James and Helen Clark, remain at the heart of the treasury.

  • British racing driver, Graham Hill.

Clark was killed on 7 April 1968 when his Lotus-Cosworth skidded off the track and somersaulted into a wood at around 150mph during a Formula Two Race in Germany.

He was 32-years-old, world champion in 1963 and 1965 and winner of a record 25 Grand Prix races.

Jim Clark was born in Fife, but his heart lived in the Borders. It's hoped his legacy will live on inside the walls of the museum, filled with treasured relics from his iconic career.

The Jim Clark Motorsport Museum. Credit: Scottish Borders Council
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