McDonald's has been given approval to open its second drive-through in the Borders. The fast-food chain’s planned outlet on Commercial Road in Hawick comes as Scotland's first Center Parcs resort is due to open nearby in 2029, and a local councillor says the location could hardly have been better chosen.
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, and the burger giant has now been given approval for a drive-through restaurant in the town.
Why does the site matter for Hawick?
The Commercial Road site is seen as significant because it sits between two supermarkets and is expected to benefit from passing trade linked to the new holiday village. Watson McAteer, who represents the area on Scottish Borders Council (SBC), said he knew McDonald's was not “everybody's cup of tea” but 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. The Hawick development was previously granted planning permission in 2020, but the scheme did not go ahead at the time.
What delayed the project for six years?
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 he believed the site would benefit from custom from people going to and from Center Parcs.
“It is absolutely brilliant news for the town, it is another step in a growth direction for the 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.”
“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.”
How does Center Parcs affect the proposal?
Scotland's first Center Parcs is due to open in the Borders in 2029, and councillors believe the nearby restaurant could complement the development. 
“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.”
What did McDonald's say?
McDonald's said it was “absolutely delighted” to finally be able to come to the town. A spokesperson said the new restaurant was expected to bring significant economic benefits, create around 100 new jobs, and offer local customers more choice.
“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.”
The approval means McDonald's can now proceed with plans that have been under discussion for years, with the company looking ahead to opening its first customers in 2027. The development would add another food and drink option to Hawick and, supporters say, could help encourage further investment in the area.
Key Facts
- McDonald's has been approved to open a drive-through restaurant on Commercial Road in Hawick.
- Scotland's first Center Parcs is due to open near Hawick in 2029.
- The Hawick site was previously granted planning permission in 2020 but did not go ahead.
- The plans also include a drive-through coffee outlet and electric vehicle charging hub.
- McDonald's expects to open the new restaurant in 2027 and says it could create around 100 new jobs.
