Scottish Ministers confirmed a new byelaw has been granted, which will restrict public access rights over land at Huntlaw and Muirfield Farm, Hassendean, near Hawick.
New Byelaw
The new byelaw, THE SCOTTISH BORDERS COUNCIL (LAND AT HUNTLAW AND MUIRFIELD FARM)(REGULATION OF ACCESS RIGHTS) BYELAWS 2025, restricts public access rights over land at Huntlaw and Muirfield Farm, Hassendean, near Hawick. This marks a key step in regulating land access for the proposed Center Parcs holiday village, following the council’s recent approval of the £450 million development.
Councillors had previously unanimously agreed to make the byelaw and to undertake a statutory consultation process. The byelaw will come into operation in April 2026.
Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council
“We warmly welcome the decision by Scottish Ministers to grant the new Byelaw, which recognises the careful and balanced approach taken by the Council in considering the needs of Center Parcs as it makes this major investment in the Scottish Borders, alongside the rights and traditions of public access in Scotland.
“We appreciate Ministers’ acknowledgement of the extensive work undertaken to address the concerns raised by access groups and local residents, and their agreement that these can be appropriately mitigated through the proposals put forward.
“This positive decision provides clarity and confidence for the project to move forward, bringing significant economic and employment opportunities to the Borders, while ensuring our communities and environment are respected.”
In December 2025, Scottish Borders Council Planning Committee approved Center Parcs planning application, paving the way for Scotland’s first Center Parcs holiday village at Huntlaw Farm, Hassendean, near Hawick, with an anticipated opening in summer 2029. The new resort is expected to support 750–800 jobs during construction and create around 1,200 permanent roles once operational, delivering an estimated £75 million per year to the Borders economy, including £8.8 million in tourism spend.