Scottish ministers have approved a bylaw restricting public access rights around the site of Scotland’s first Center Parcs holiday village in the Scottish Borders.
The bylaw, formally titled The Scottish Borders Council (Land at Huntlaw and Muirfield Farm)(Regulation of Access Rights) Byelaws 2025, restricts right to roam access over land at Huntlaw and Muirfield Farm, Hassendean, near Hawick. It comes into force in April 2026.
Exceptional Case Approved
Scottish Borders Council approved Center Parcs’ planning application in December 2025, paving the way for the holiday park with an anticipated opening in summer 2029. The development is reported to be worth approximately 450 million pounds.
Councillors agreed there was an “exceptional case” for the bylaw, which Center Parcs said was necessary to guarantee the security of the site. Members were informed that the land is currently not used to any great extent by walkers, although there is some equestrian use.
Ramblers Scotland raised concern about the precedent the move could set, warning that it might encourage others to come forward with proposals that would have a “greater negative impact” on outdoor access. Scotland’s right to roam legislation is among the most permissive in Europe and any restriction is subject to significant scrutiny.