Rachael Hamilton MSP welcomed the passing of The Motor Sport on Public Roads (Scotland) Regulations 2019 in the Scottish Parliament, which will enable the Jim Clark Rally to go ahead later this year.
Ms Hamilton attended the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee to ask questions on the piece of legislation, which will enable motor sport on closed public roads following a four-year break after the tragic deaths of three people in 2014.
The Borders MSP asked the Transport Secretary to provide additional funding to the rally to help with the cost of health and safety related costs. Scottish Borders Council will be able to reclaim some of the costs.
The organisers of the Jim Clark Memorial Rally have been greatly encouraged by recent developments in the Scottish Parliament to help overcome the barriers to closed public road rallying in Scotland. Such a move will bring the country into line with other parts of the UK including Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, Wales and England.
Ms Hamilton hopes that the Jim Clark Rally, which is provisionally due to take place in August this year, will be a massive success and bring in motor sport enthusiasts from far and wide.
Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP, Rachael Hamilton said:
“The Jim Clark Rally is important to the Borders economy especially in Duns and the surrounding area. That is why I asked the Cabinet Secretary for further assistance and resources to be made available to help the operation of the Rally.
“With the new museum opening in Duns this year, it is fitting that motor sports enthusiasts have a chance now to see the rally come to fruition.
“Whilst I welcome the passing of this legislation, I had wished it could have been done so earlier in the year, to allow for the initial provisional date in May for the Jim Clark Rally.
“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".