As our local museums and galleries are about to start reopening for the 2020 season, we will be exploring what each has to offer. This week, we’re shining a spotlight on The Jim Clark Motorsport Museum that opened last year, and which is fast becoming one of the most popular attractions in the region.

Who was Jim Clark?

Jim Clark is widely regarded as one of the greatest motor racing drivers of all time, a national hero for Scotland, and icon of the 1960s. Born in Fife and raised in the Borders, he won the Formula One World Championships in 1963 and 1965, and 25 overall grand prix victories.

In 1968, he died in a tragic racing accident at Hockenheim. As a result of his death, Formula 1 placed a greater emphasis on drivers’ safety and introduced many safety improvements.

Who should visit the museum?

The Jim Clark Motorsport Museum is of interest to fans of Formula One World Champion, Jim Clark and motorsports enthusiasts in general, but it also makes a great day out for anyone interested in local history and for families looking to entertain children.

Why is it special?

The aim of the museum is to inspire the current generation and generations to come, with a modern and vibrant celebration of Jim Clark’s incredible career within the motor racing world and his life as a farmer in the Scottish Borders. He’s a local lad ‘made good’.

The redevelopment of the museum was carried out to the highest standards and as a visitor attraction in the Borders, it is second to none. Everyone should visit at least once, and as you pay once and visit free all year, you can take advantage of free entry to see visiting exhibitions.

The original museum and garage have been married together with a stunning, modern glass atrium. The light-filled former garage now accommodates two legendary racing cars which were kindly donated by Dario Franchitti and Tinguely Museum. When illuminated and viewed at night by passersby, they look particularly magnificent.

Once inside the museum, visitors are taken on a journey where they can see over a hundred of Jim’s trophies, photographs, and other memorabilia that make up the history of his life. You can watch footage of his races and jump in the driving seat of the simulator to test your driving skills.

Accessibility

The museum has wheelchair access, accessible toilet facilities, and baby-changing facilities. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Food and drink

There is a gift shop on site. The Jim Clark Café Bistro is situated nearby at 17 Market Street, Duns Town Square, Scottish Borders, TD11 3BY.

Visiting

The museum is on Newtown Street, the main road which runs through Duns. There are a number of free parking spaces directly in front of the museum (which is slightly elevated and set back from the road). Additional free parking is available in the town centre.

The number 60 bus from Galashiels and Berwick-upon-Tweed and the 260 and 34 from Berwick-upon Tweed stop at Duns Royal Bank.

Opening times

March to November - Monday to Saturday 10.00am – 16.30pm, closed Wednesdays, Sunday 13.00pm – 16.30pm.

Admission

Pay once, visit free all year. Adults £ 5, concessions £4.50, child £3, under 5s Free. Family £14 (up to 2 adults and 3 children). Please consider Gift Aid.

Further information

The Jim Clark Motorsports museum is managed by the local charity, Live Borders and is owned by The Jim Clark Trust. Funding for the renovation came from Scottish Borders Council, National Lottery Heritage Fund , Museums Galleries Scotland, and The Jim Clark Trust.

Website: www.liveborders.org.uk/culture/museums/our-museums/jim-clark-motorsport-museum/

Tel: 01361 883960. Email: jcmm@liveborders.org.uk