New beginning for Harestanes visitor centre

Published: 10th March 2022

There will be a fresh start for the Harestanes visitor centre near Ancrum this year, after 30 years of being leased by ourselves.

Together with Live Borders we have taken the decision not to renew the lease of the visitor centre with Lothian Estates, which ends this month. Live Borders has operated the lease under agreement with ourselves since 2016.

We will however continue to manage the play park, which was opened in 2019.

Councillor Robin Tatler, Executive Member for Community Development and Localities

"It is great news that the lease for the play park has been secured for a further 10 years following our recent investment into the facilities.

“We look forward to watching Lothian Estates develop the visitor centre under a new operator and I have no doubt that Harestanes will continue to attract local people and visitors for many years to come.”

Ben Burbridge of Lothian Estates

“We have had a long relationship with the Council and Live Borders at Harestanes, and there is now a fantastic opportunity for the estate and the other local businesses, who have made Harestanes their home, to broaden and enhance the offering to visitors.

“There are plans for further developments at Harestanes that broaden its offering and improve the experience.”