Work has officially begun on the long-awaited Center Parcs Scotland development, with the first trees now planted at the future resort site in the Scottish Borders.
The £450 million project, located between Hawick and Selkirk, marks a major milestone for tourism and economic growth in southern Scotland—and it’s already shaping up to be one of the UK’s most exciting new holiday destinations. We have been fans of Center Parcs for years now and cannot wait to see this happen…
First Trees Planted at Center Parcs Scottish Borders
The landmark moment took place on Wednesday 18 March, as Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney joined local schoolchildren and Center Parcs CEO Colin McKinlay to kick off the project with large-scale tree planting.
This initial afforestation phase is a key part of the resort’s vision—creating an entirely new forest from scratch, something Center Parcs has never done before.
Over the coming months, hundreds of thousands of trees will be planted, including:
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Scots pine
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Silver birch
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Aspen
All trees have been grown in Scotland using locally sourced seeds, ensuring the new woodland reflects the natural character of the Borders.
A £450M Investment in the Scottish Borders
The new Center Parcs Scottish Borders village is expected to:
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Create around 1,200 jobs
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Contribute £75 million annually to the local economy
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Support young people, with 30% of jobs targeted at 16–24-year-olds
The Scottish Government has also pledged up to £30 million in infrastructure funding, helping unlock the development and deliver wider benefits to surrounding communities.
First Minister John Swinney said the investment reflects a commitment to spreading economic growth across all parts of Scotland, particularly in regions that need it most.
What Will Center Parcs Scotland Include?
Once complete, the resort will offer everything you’d expect from a premium Center Parcs UK village, with a distinctly Scottish twist.
Planned features include:
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Up to 700 lodges and apartments
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The iconic Subtropical Swimming Paradise
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A central village with shops, cafés, and restaurants
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Two purpose-built lochs for water sports
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Nature trails, wetlands, and wildflower meadows
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A dedicated Nature and Heritage Centre
The entire development is being designed to blend into the surrounding landscape, with a strong focus on sustainability and biodiversity.
A Major Boost for Tourism in Scotland
This will be the first new Center Parcs village since Longford Forest in Ireland opened in 2019, making it a significant addition to the UK holiday market.
Industry leaders believe the resort will:
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Diversify the Scottish visitor economy
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Attract new domestic and international tourists
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Create opportunities for local businesses and suppliers
Professor Russel Griggs of South of Scotland Enterprise described the project as a “significant moment” for the region, particularly for towns like Hawick that have faced economic challenges.
Where Is Center Parcs Scotland Being Built?
The resort will sit on around 1,000 acres of land owned by the Buccleuch Group, just east of the A7 trunk road between Hawick and Selkirk.
The main development will cover approximately 400 acres, surrounded by newly created woodland that will continue to grow and mature for decades.
When Will Center Parcs Scotland Open?
The Center Parcs Scottish Borders resort is expected to open in 2029, giving plenty of time for the forest to establish and the full village experience to take shape. Can you imagine Center Parcs Scotland at Christmastime? It is going to be epic!
Why This Matters for Edinburgh and Beyond
For travellers in Edinburgh and across Scotland, this new Center Parcs location will provide a high-quality, nature-focused holiday option much closer to home—without the need to travel to England or Ireland.
It also reinforces Scotland’s growing reputation as a destination for sustainable tourism, family getaways, and outdoor experiences.
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