Wednesday December 17th 2025
McDonald’s has announced plans for a new £4m outlet in Hawick
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Fast food chain giant McDonald’s has announced plans for a new £4m outlet in Hawick which will create 100 new jobs.
The proposal for a site in the town’s Commercial Road includes a drive-thru restaurant and coffee shop and an electric vehicle charging hub.
The site has been selected due to its “strategic and central location”.
The announcement is another huge shot in the arm for Hawick, following the recent go-ahead for a new £450m Center Parcs development.
The two acre site earmarked by McDonald’s incorporates 38 car parking spaces and would allow space for “future potential development”.
The only existing McDonald’s restaurant in the Borders is at Wilderhaugh in Galashiels, which the company say has been operating “above capacity”.
As a result of that outlet’s popularity the company has been actively seeking to establish another venue locally.
The fast food giant had previously been granted approval by SBC for a restaurant on the Commercial Road site back in 2020 but the development did not go-ahead.
The new proposal represents a potential £4m investment in the local economy and would contribute between £50k and £60k a year in business rates.
A planning application is expected to be submitted to SBC soon.
Hawick & Hermitage councillor Watson McAteer has offered his support to the proposed development, saying: “I think this is fantastic news following quickly behind the Center Parcs planning consent.
“It’s great for Hawick and the local community, young people in particular will be really pleased. It’s much-welcomed investment in the town and from my point of view I think it is a sign of things to come.
“McDonald’s are a big brand name and this will be another attraction for others to come to Hawick and continue the future development of the town.”
Commenting on the plans, a McDonald’s spokesperson said: “We’re delighted to bring forward plans for a new drive-thru restaurant in Hawick. We’ve long sought to expand our presence in the Scottish Borders and are confident that a restaurant in Hawick will bring real benefits to the local community.
“This £4 million investment would create over 100 full- and part-time jobs, providing a welcome boost to the local economy.
“We’re committed to being a good neighbour and will continue to engage with residents and local stakeholders as our plans move through the planning process.”
Councillor Scott Hamilton, SBC’s executive Member for Economic Growth & Developing the Borders, said: “Following the completion of the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme, a fantastic opportunity has arisen for the sale of land on Commercial Road. This development will further the regeneration of Hawick and will deliver local employment.”
Located on Commercial Road, alongside Sainsbury’s and Aldi, the proposed restaurant would strengthen Hawick’s offer, increase choice and convenience for shoppers, and serve both local residents and visitors travelling through the town.
If consented, the development would represent a significant investment in Hawick’s economy – creating jobs during construction and supporting additional employment through McDonald’s wider Scottish supply chain.
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