Development funding of £53,100 has been awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to help SBC progress plans to apply for a full grant at a later date. SBC has already committed almost £620,000 to the project, and a second-stage application to HLF for around £645,000 will be made later this year.

SBC is working closely with charitable organisation The Jim Clark Trust, which includes family representatives and local councillors, and which has responsibility for the care of Clark's trophy collection and its display.

The council and the Trust are working together to develop plans for the redevelopment of the Jim Clark Memorial Room in Newtown Street, Duns. The aim is to expand and enhance the current site to allow cars raced by Clark to be displayed, along with a wide range of trophies and other memorabilia.

The Trust is also leading a fundraising drive via the Jim Clark Trust website to raise a minimum of £300,000 towards the cost of the overall project.

Councillor Vicky Davidson, SBC Executive Member for Culture, Sport, Youth and Communities and Jim Clark Memorial Room trustee, said: “This initial award is fantastic news and allows us to move to the next stage of more detailed planning for what will be a much enhanced museum celebrating the achievements of a uniquely inspirational racing driver.

“I’m also extremely pleased that SBC has again confirmed that it will invest over £600,000 towards the redevelopment of the Jim Clark Room, creating a visitor attraction in Duns town centre befitting the legacy and continuing international interest in the life of Jim Clark.”

The aim is for the new museum to open in 2018, the 50th anniversary of Jim Clark’s tragic death at Hockenheim in Germany at the age of just 32. He is still considered one of the greatest-ever racing drivers, and has a record that has stood the test of time.

Lucy Casot, Head of HLF Scotland, said: “We are delighted that, thanks to players of the National Lottery, we are able to give our initial approval to the development of this fascinating museum.

“A display of historic racing cars associated with one of motor racing’s greats is certain to attract new visitors to Duns and the Borders. We look forward to seeing the plans develop.”

Councillor Frances Renton, also a member of the Jim Clark Memorial Room Trust, said: “I am delighted that this project has attracted initial support from HLF and that the Council and trusts continue to work closely to achieve the aim of opening the improved museum in 2018. This will be a major boost for Duns and Berwickshire.”

Jim Clark won the Formula One championship in 1963, becoming the-then youngest-ever World Champion. He followed it up with victory again in 1965 and in the same year also won the prestigious Indianapolis 500 in America. He remains the only driver to have won both the Formula One and Indy 500 titles in the same year.

Further information

Ben Smith, The Jim Clark Trust Secretary, via email: ben.smith@jimclarktrust.com