Hopes are high that the Jim Clark Rally could be set to return to the Borders this year as organisers have pencilled in the weekends of May 24th and 25th.
The rally has not taken place since the tragic deaths of three people in 2014. Following that the Scottish Government reviewed the safety of rally events in Scotland and consulted on proposals designed to improve safety.
Draft legislation to cover the new rules for applying for and putting on motorsports events has just been published. However, as this legislation is expected to take several weeks to be scrutinised and passed by the Scottish Parliament, it will mean Scottish Borders Council and Police Scotland will only have a matter of a few days to process the application.
Local MP John Lamont has said it is good news that the Jim Clark Rally may be able to go ahead, but is warning organisers that the legislative process means it will be a race to get the rally approved in time for the end of May.
Commenting, John Lamont MP said: “The Jim Clark Rally was a major contributor to the Borders economy and the loss of the event for the past few years has been a big blow to the organisers, local businesses and motor sports enthusiasts alike.
“I know that Scottish Borders Council are very supportive of the event and will do everything they can to try to ensure it takes place this year.
“However, the new rules have only just been published and the legislation needs to go through the Scottish Parliament. We are only 11 weeks away from the proposed rally date, which means the race is very much on to get the new rules implemented and to process the application to hold a rally.
“The Jim Clark Rally is a major event and making sure the legislation is right and the event is run safely has to be the priority. Given the commitment of the Council to do all it can, I am hopeful that the rally will return to the Borders soon.”
