YESTERDAY (March 1), the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum opened for the new season with the news that they have been awarded a five star rating from VisitScotland.

The museum is the first in the Borders to be awarded such an accolade, and becomes one of nine other attractions in the region with the rating.

As well as announcing this success, the Museum is launching a new exhibition, 'Clark on Canvas', which features artwork depicting the world of motor racing in the 1960s, when Clark dominated the sport.

The pieces of art have been loaned by the Guild of Motoring Artists, an international group who specialise in motorsport art. The works will be available to purchase from the Museum, and will be on display until Monday, November 30 when the exhibition closes.

The Museum is operated by local charity, Live Borders. Ewan Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of the charity said: "As operators of museums, galleries and attractions across the Scottish Borders, it was an honour to have a team working on this project – to secure 5-Star status from VisitScotland reinforces the quality of the team, their creative vision and focus on customer experience.

"Thank you and well done to everyone who has worked with us to secure this brilliant accolade.

“Positive cultural exhibitions and celebrating our local heritage is very much in line with Live Borders’ commitment to communities across the Borders being healthier, happier and stronger."

VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director, Paula Ward, added: “Congratulations to the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum on this fantastic achievement. The 5-Star award recognises the exceptional customer service experience for visitors to the museum and is a great addition to the quality offering in the Scottish Borders.

“Delivering a quality experience that meets, and exceeds, visitor expectations is crucial in making Scotland a must-visit, must-return destination and the re-opening of the museum has been a huge success, helping to propel the Scottish Borders into the spotlight.

“Our Quality Assurance scheme helps businesses to reach their full potential and truly shine. The scheme is about more than just the ‘stars’ on the door - it’s about the entire visitor experience, about investing in your business, driving-up quality and creating jobs.”

The five star rating was given after VisitScotland advisors visited the site to complete an assessment of the attraction.

Councillor Euan Jardine, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Culture and Sport, said: “The five-star award is fantastic recognition for everyone that has played a part in making this museum a reality and delivered the highest quality visitor experience since it opened.

“This is an incredible museum which truly does justice to one of the world’s greatest sportsmen and I am sure many more visitors will enjoy all it has to offer in its first full season.”

As previously reported, the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum has also launched a driving trail around the Borders, highlighting locations steeped in the history of Scottish motorsport and the life of Jim Clark.

Douglas Bell, from The Jim Clark Trust, told us: “We are delighted with the new VisitScotland Award and congratulations all the partners and supporters involved. It really is a very special museum.

“The design and display of memorabilia, trophies, film, imagery and race cars are a wonderful tribute to Jim Clark. The staff are warm, welcoming and insightful. Jim was a farmer at heart and now recognised as one of the greatest motor racing drivers of all time.

"We look forward to welcoming visitors to learn more about his remarkable story to inspire future generations.”

The Museum is open Monday to Saturday, excluding Wednesday, from 10am to 4.30pm, and on Sunday from 1pm to 4.30pm.

For more information, including admission fees, visit https://jimclarktrust.com/