BORDERS motorsport fans were given a huge boost with the news that the Jim Clark Memorial Rally is set to return in November.

The famous event will return on November 8 and 9, ending a five-year hiatus.

No closed-road rally events have been staged in Scotland since three spectators died at the 2014 rally.

However, a recent change in Scottish law will allow the rally to return to Borders roads.

The Jim Clark Memorial Rally has historically been held in May, but this year’s comeback race has been pushed back with organisers keen to avoid clashes with other motorsport events.

Speaking about the changes to the law which have facilitated the return of rallying to Borders roads, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson, said: “We have a proud tradition of Motorsport in Scotland and this government recognises the need to balance the potential for economic benefits and public enjoyment from motorsports with a high degree of safety.

“We have listened to motorsports governing bodies and taken steps which will simplify the consideration of events by creating a robust and proportionate framework for the authorisation of motorsport on public roads in Scotland.

“We know that motorsports can be dangerous and that the risk needs to be correctly assessed and managed, however, this step will help usher the return of major sporting events to our communities, boosting local economies and help to continue Scotland’s rich legacy in motorsport.”