Center Parcs right to roam restriction approved for Borders
BBC World
March 3, 2026
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The Scottish Borders Council has approved a by-law restricting the right to roam on the proposed site of Scotland's first Center Parcs holiday village near Hawick. This decision was welcomed by council leader Euan Jardine, who emphasized that it provides "clarity and confidence" for the project while addressing concerns raised by access groups and local residents. The fenced area with one point of access is deemed essential to the business model, as highlighted during the approval process.
The development, which will be the seventh Center Parcs village in the UK and Ireland, is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region, supporting approximately 800 jobs during construction and creating around 1,200 permanent positions once operational. However, concerns have been raised by organizations like Ramblers Scotland and ScotWays, who fear this decision sets a precedent that could encourage similar restrictions on access rights at other sites across Scotland.
Despite these concerns, the council argued that this is an "exceptional case" and that mitigating measures would ensure community and environmental protections remain in place. The by-law, approved by Scottish ministers, will come into force in April, paving the way for the park to open by 2029. This decision underscores the delicate balance between economic development and public access rights, a topic of growing importance in Scotland's land management policies.
The approval highlights the broader debate over land use and access in Scotland, particularly as developments like Center Par
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Originally published on BBC World on 3/3/2026