A museum dedicated to the life and achievements of Jim Clark, which is run by charity Live Borders, has officially opened

A tribute to a hero of Scottish motor racing has been officially opened.

Formula One legend, Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, officially opened the new Jim Clark Motorsport Museum in a special ceremony yesterday (Thursday 29 August). The museum honours and charts the life and racing career of the Scottish Borders farmer and double Formula One World Champion.

The museum has received more than 5000 visitors since it opened to the public in July.

It is operated by charity Live Borders, and the charity’s chief executive Ewan Jackson said: "We are absolutely honoured that Sir Jackie made the special trip to Duns today to see the new museum and carry out the official opening.

"The visitor numbers and the feedback from them has been fantastic and we look forward to welcoming many more visitors, from near and far, to this must-visit attraction.”

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

Funding for the £1.6million partnership project has come from Scottish Borders Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Museums Galleries Scotland and The Jim Clark Trust, the latter including a grant from the Fallago Environment Fund and individual donations from around the world.

Speaking about the new Jim Clark Motorsport Museum, Sir Jackie said: “I would like to congratulate everybody who is responsible for being able to bring together enough money to do something as nice as this. Really, you should all be very proud of it and I think a lot more folk are going to come to Duns to see it."