Spectator dies at Jim Clark Rally

A 73-year-old man has died at the Jim Clark Rally near Duns.

Emergency services raced to the Abbey St Bathans area after the alarm was raised, around 7.40pm last night (Friday).

But the spectator, who is said to have taken unwell, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Thousands of motorsport enthusiasts have converged on the Scottish Borders for the three-day event, which starts and finishes in Duns.

Official viewing areas have been created at Fogo, Longformacus and Ayton for the main event on Friday and Saturday, as well as Scott's View and Westruther for Sunday's Reivers Rally.

A statement from the organisers said: "It is with immense sadness that we inform the community of the passing of a Jim Clark Rally spectator, who was taken unwell and pronounced dead at the scene, on Friday, May 26th, 2023.

"Jim Clark Rally officials acted immediately to assist emergency services after receiving a notification through the command centre. We remain in contact and continue to assist emergency services.

"The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the Jim Clark Rally go out to man’s family, friends and loved ones."

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The event was put on hold for five years after three spectators were killed in 2014. An inquiry held in 2017 said the deaths could have been avoided if people had been clearly banned from standing in the area where the crash happened.

Regulations were later introduced that paved the way for closed-road rallies in Scotland to return.

Last year's race - which is named after the late Formula One legend Jim Clark, who lived locally - was cut short after a vehicle was found blocking the road at Westruther.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 7.40pm on Friday, May 26th, 2023, police were made aware of a 73-year-old man having taken unwell at the Jim Clark Rally in the Abbey St Bathans area of Duns.

“Emergency services attended and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Officers remain in attendance.”

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According to the preliminary results, Frenchman and World Rally Championship driver Adrien Fourmaux leads the way after the opening two stages at Longformacus - the second of which was held under the cover of darkness; with local ace Euan Thorburn, behind the wheel of a Ford Focus WRC, in fourth place.

Further stages will follow at Fogo, Ayton and Edrom today (Saturday) ahead of a ceremonial finish in Duns, from 1.45pm.

The event concludes with the Reivers Rally on Sunday. Setting off from Duns at 10am, it includes stages at Eccles, Westruther and Scott’s View before returning to Duns for the finish from 4pm.

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