Councillor welcomes planned second Borders McDonald's

Plans for a second McDonald's in the Borders could hardly have found a "better place" than in the closest town to Scotland's first Center Parcs, according to a councillor for the area.

The multi-million pound holiday village is scheduled to open in 2029 on land near Hawick.

Now the burger giant has been given approval for a drive-through restaurant on the town's Commercial Road.

Watson McAteer, who represents the area on Scottish Borders Council (SBC), said he knew McDonald's was not "everybody's cup of tea" but that he hoped it could attract more businesses to Hawick.

At present, the company has just one outlet in the whole of the Scottish Borders - about 17 miles (27km) away in Galashiels.

It was previously granted planning permission on the Hawick site - located between two supermarkets - back in 2020, but the development did not go ahead.

Concerns over flooding and traffic impact have held things up but the six-year battle to open in the town now appears to have concluded.

In addition to the restaurant, the plans also include a drive-through coffee outlet and electric vehicle charging hub.

McAteer said: "It is absolutely brilliant news for the town, it is another step in a growth direction for the area."

He said he hoped that it could be part of the "start of a real piece of recovery for the whole area".

"It is a real natural fit between the two supermarkets and the other businesses in the town," he said.

"I can see why strategically they couldn't probably find a better place given that the through traffic going to and from Center Parcs will absolutely use the facility.

"Not only will the locals get the benefit but visitors will get the benefit as well and hopefully it will attract more."

The council's economic development service was also supportive of the plans.

"This application follows rapidly on the back of the recent planning approval for Center Parcs," it said.

"We believe this proposal if approved will be complementary and help deliver further opportunities for Hawick and the surrounding area."

McDonald's said it was "absolutely delighted" to finally be able to come to the town.

"We are confident the new restaurant will deliver significant economic benefits for the town, including the creation of around 100 new jobs," said a spokesperson.

"It will also provide greater choice for local customers and be a positive addition to the Hawick community.

"We would like to thank everyone who took the time to engage with the proposals during the planning process and look forward to welcoming our first customers in 2027."