A crowdfunding campaign has so far raised more than £250,000 and unlocked the next stage of plans for the new Jim Clark Museum in Duns.
Over the past six weeks 739 people pledged their backing for the project online and made donations ranging from £1 to £10,000 – raising £100,316 in total.
At the same time, the publicity generated by the campaign led to further donations made by private individuals totalling another £100,000 and confirmation has been received of a further £75,000 in grants from other charitable Trusts and Foundations.
While the total is short of the £300,000 required to fully fund the facility dedicated to the memory of the late racing driver, the Jim Clark Trust and Scottish Borders Council will now proceed with submitting a stage two application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for £645,000 towards the £1.6m total needed while fundraising continues.
The cars in which Jim Clark raced will be the star attraction for the new museum, which is expected to generate significant economic and tourism benefits to the Scottish Borders and Duns community by attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Aspirations for the project include a classic car restoration programme, support for technology skills apprenticeships and a Jim Clark driving tourist trail through the scenic countryside of the Scottish Borders including historic venues such as the old race circuit at Charterhall, local market towns and Jim Clark’s grave at Chirnside Church.
Doug Niven, cousin of Jim Clark and a Family Trustee, said: “We still need to raise more money to ensure we reach the required £300,000 required.”
Tracey Logan, chief executive of Scottish Borders Council, said: “The Council has committed £620,000 towards the redevelopment of the Jim Clark Room which will create a visitor attraction befitting the legacy and continuing international interest in the life of Jim Clark and we are now finalising a stage two application to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
“This will be submitted as soon as possible, and we continue to target opening the new museum in 2018, the 50th anniversary of Jim Clark’s tragic death.”
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