Friday August 29th 2025
Official opening of the travel network
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
The travel network in Hawick has been transformed thanks to a £12.6m investment from Scottish Government.
An official opening event has taken place to mark the completion of two key infrastructure projects in the town.
Seven kilometres of improved and new active travel pathways stretching across Hawick from Weensland all the way to Volunteer Park, as well as the resurfacing of almost 2km of carriageway, have transformed the town’s river corridor, making it safer, more attractive and accessible.
Both projects represent a major investment into the town of Hawick and were officially opened on Wednesday, August 26, at a section of the route at Wee Haugh with Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop MSP in attendance along with local elected members, SBC staff members, funding partners including Sustrans, Transport Scotland and other key stakeholders.
The new path network links previously disconnected neighbourhoods and enhances access to the surrounding countryside, with connections to walking, cycling, and horse-riding routes.
These pathways offer residents and visitors the choice to walk, wheel, and cycle for everyday journeys, promoting healthier lifestyles and sustainable transport.
Upgraded and new public park spaces enhance biodiversity, boost outdoor leisure opportunities, and support the local economic activity by attracting visitors.
Approximately 34,000sqm of upgraded or new public green areas and landscaping has been created with over 2,500 new trees planted. The investment sees the renewal of the Common Haugh and Wee Haugh with the creation of Weensland Biodiversity Park, providing greenspaces that improve wellbeing for residents.
Over the course of the project substantial work has been undertaken to install three upgraded footbridges replacing the existing Lawson, Victoria and Mansfield footbridges and greatly improving connectivity over the River Teviot.
Additionally, the provision of a long-called-for bridge connection between Lower Mansfield and Weensland was installed.
The second project delivered by HFPS in partnership with Transport Scotland was the significant upgrade to the A7 trunk road at Commercial Road. This saw the renewal of almost 2km of carriageway to cope with increased traffic levels to improve access for local businesses and residents.
Construction of this began in 2020 with approximately 3,500m of public utilities diverted to enable the works which combined the construction of the trunk road as well as flood defence on the main artery of the town.
Both projects have been made possible by close partnership working between SBC, Transport Scotland and Sustrans.
The Hawick Active Travel Network has been supported by £12.6 million of funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans’ ‘Places for Everyone’ programme.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “I’m very pleased to officially open the new active travel infrastructure in Hawick. With the Scottish Government investing over £12.6 million, these improvements will bring about transformative change for sustainable travel options, as well as making the area more resilient to future flooding events.
“We need to reduce transport emissions and to protect communities from the climate impacts we’re already seeing. The innovation we’re seeing in Hawick is delivering on both of these missions at the same time. The result is that through safe, high quality infrastructure, more people can save money, live healthier lives and leave their car at home by choosing active travel.
“To support the ambitions of Scotland’s local authorities for more active travel infrastructure, we are investing £188 million into active and sustainable transport in 2025-26. This will help ensure we make it easier for more people to walk, wheel and cycle for shorter everyday journeys.”
Councillor Scott Hamilton, deputy leader of Scottish Borders Council, added: “The Hawick Active Travel Network has been years in the making and has visibly transformed the town providing a greater level of connectivity and improving links between businesses, schools and local amenities.
“I would like to place on record my thanks to residents and businesses across Hawick for their patience and understanding during the construction works and would like to assure them that we are committed to engaging with them to unlock the full benefits of this major investment.”
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