First Center Parcs site in Scotland will create 1,200 jobs, John Swinney says

Scotland’s first Center Parcs resort will create 1,200 permanent jobs, the First Minister has announced, with young people expected to make up almost a third of those taken on.

With the Scottish Government having invested £30 million in the development, near Hawick in the Scottish Borders, John Swinney said it shows ministers are “serious about reducing regional inequality and creating genuine opportunity for young people”.

He was speaking as he joined schoolchildren and Center Parks chief executive Colin McKinlay to help plant the first trees on the site of the new holiday complex.

The development is scheduled to open in summer 2029 and is tipped to increase tourism to the area by 38%, generating £87 million a year for the Scottish economy.

The money from the Scottish Government will be delivered over the next five years, to help provide the essential infrastructure needed to make the resort possible.

Speaking as he visited the site, the First Minister said: “Economic growth must reach the people and places that need it most.

“Investing in the south of Scotland through this project is a direct expression of our belief that every part of Scotland deserves to benefit from a growing economy.

“Investing here is a deliberate statement that we are serious about reducing regional inequality and creating genuine opportunity for young people – 30% of these 1,200 jobs are targeted at 16 to 24-year-olds.

“It is a privilege to be here with local school children to start planting new trees for the site and I look forward to seeing the development of the project before the resort opens in 2029.”

Mr McKinlay said: “Center Parcs will have a transformational effect on the south of Scotland, bringing jobs, tourism, supply chain opportunities and significant economic benefits.

“It is incredibly exciting for work on site to now be getting under way and we were delighted that the First Minister could join us to commemorate this key milestone.”

He said Center Parks is “very grateful for the support of the Scottish Government, as well as South of Scotland Enterprise, Scottish Borders Council, and the many other partners who have worked with us to unlock the potential of this project”.

Russell Griggs, chairman of South of Scotland Enterprise, said the tree planting ceremony was a “significant moment” for the area.

“Center Parcs presents massive opportunities and will help diversify the visitor economy, attract new people, deliver inclusive growth and provide significant supply chain opportunities for SMEs and entrepreneurs,” he said.

“This investment also provides a chance to tackle head-on the economic challenges of the past which still impact communities such as Hawick.”