THE PUBLIC’S views are being sought to drive forward plans for enlarging and improving the Jim Clark museum.

A survey has been developed to help Scottish Borders Council (SBC) advance proposals for the Duns museum celebrating the life and achievements of the two-time Formula One World Champion.

In March, development funding of £53,100 was awarded from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help the council progress towards a full grant application at a later date.

And SBC are now welcoming the public’s views on the current Jim Clark Room and what the planned museum could exhibit, how it could attract a wider audience and the type of activities which could be offered.

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.

He became the youngest ever World Champion in 1963 and followed it up with another victory 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.

SBC has already committed almost £620,000 to the project, and a second-stage application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for around £645,000 will be made before the end of the year.

The Jim Clark Trust, which has charitable status and is leading a fundraising drive via jimclarktrust.com to raise a minimum of £300,000 towards the cost of the overall project, is working hand-in-hand with the Council.

Last week the planning application for the expansion of the existing Jim Clark Room in Newtown Street, Duns was submitted.

Proposed is an expanded and enhanced museum, allowing cars raced by Clark to be displayed, along with a wide range of trophies and other memorabilia.

Councillor Vicky Davidson, SBC’s Executive Member for Culture, Sport, Youth and Communities and a Jim Clark Memorial Room trustee, said: “I am delighted that the planning application has now been lodged and we’ve reached another milestone towards providing a bigger and better Jim Clark museum.

“As part of developing the wider museum we would like to hear ideas from both local people and visitors about what they think about the current Memorial Room and what new exhibits, fixtures or events they would like to see featured in the new museum in future.

“I would encourage anyone with an interest to take this short survey and help shape the proposals for a museum that will not only attract even more visitors to the area but which will also do justice to Jim Clark’s incredible achievements.”

The survey is available on the Council’s website at scotborders.gov.uk/jim-clark-museum. Paper copies are also available from the Jim Clark Room in Duns.