Latest news with #Hawick
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
First pictures of UK's brand new Center Parcs show off overwater lodges, tropical lazy river and ‘sports loch'
THE first images of what the new Center Parcs holiday village will look like in Scotland have been revealed. Center Parcs has unveiled a flythrough video of its proposed new holiday villag e in the Scottish Borders. 12 12 The video takes viewers on a virtual tour of the site, featuring the arrivals road, waterside lodges, apartments, lochs, Aqua Sana Forest Spa, Subtropical Swimming Paradise, Sports Plaza, and the planned Nature and Heritage Centre. Center Parcs plans to submit a planning application this summer to Scottish Borders Council. The proposed site is located three miles north of Hawick and will feature around 700 lodges. The Scottish village will include a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities, retail outlets, bars, restaurants, and signature swimming and spa attractions. The total investment for the new village is estimated at between £350 million and £400 million. Colin McKinlay, CEO of Center Parcs, said: "[There will be a] two kilometre access road that would take you up to the start of the area where we're looking to develop. "You'll be met with a cycle centre, a spa, you'll be able to walk through a forest to an iconic view of our swimming pool consulate with up to about 700 lodges that'll be interspersed within the trees. "Together with a nature centre, a heritage centre, lots of outdoor activities as well." He added: "It's fantastic to share a visual representation of our proposed Scottish village with the local community. "The flythrough video and 3D model really help bring the plans to life and add to the real sense of anticipation that has been evident at recent consultation events. Center Parcs reveals hugenew holiday resort opening in the UK "It's one thing to describe what we're hoping to build, but seeing it laid out visually captures the ambition of what we're planning. "This is about creating a destination that not only brings joy to families but also respects and enhances the local environment. "This has the potential to be a once-in-a-generation investment for the Scottish Borders." If approved, the village will create over a thousand permanent jobs and provide ongoing opportunities for local businesses. 12 12 12 He continued: "[It is] massively exciting. As a proud Scotsman to be able to bring Center Parcs to the Scottish Borders would be really, really exciting. "It's one where I think there's an opportunity for many people in Scotland to enjoy a Center Parcs resort as well as people from England coming up south of the border to enjoy the fabulous scenery in the Scottish Borders as well." McKinlay noted that the response to the project has been positive, with the reception from the people in the Scottish Borders being "fantastic". He also said that the consultation meetings have been a lot about listening to feedback from people who saw the proposed plans. 12 12 12 As a result of the meetings, some changes have been made including moving the position of some of the lodges and where more trees could be planted. "Fingers crossed if we get the planning permission then we would look to open in late spring, early summer of 2029," he concluded. In January, Center Parcs also revealed a new attraction at a UK park, which both kids and adults love. A mum has also revealed the affordable UK holiday park, which she says is like Center Parcs without the price tag. Plus, one of the world's oldest Center Parcs resorts has new farm experience and water playhouse. 12
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Center Parcs reveals flythrough of Scottish site near Hawick
A computer-generated flythrough video of plans for the first Center Parcs holiday village in Scotland has gone on show in the company is holding its fourth and final community consultation in Hawick, ahead of submitting a formal planning application for the £400m Parcs wants to build 700 lodges and accompanying tourist facilities on a site to the north of the town - creating about 1,200 jobs.A two-day open event to see the latest on its plans - including a 3D model - is being held at Hawick Rugby Club. An updated masterplan of the proposed village is being presented along with the flythrough were also set be present on both days to discuss the planning application in the planning application is submitted it will be advertised and comments can be made directly to the council as part of the decision-making process. Plans for the park were first revealed in November last year and there have been a string of public consultation events since have been voiced about the loss of usable farmland and also that visitors to the village might not venture into surrounding has prompted questions about the wider economic benefits for the Borders as a the company has said that many people who book three or four-night stays with them at other sites then go on to "explore the area as well". Colin McKinlay, chief executive of Center Parcs, said it was "fantastic" to share their vision for the site in a new way."The flythrough video and 3D model really help bring the plans to life and add to the real sense of anticipation that has been evident at recent consultation events," he said."It's one thing to describe what we're hoping to build, but seeing it laid out visually captures the ambition of what we're planning."He said the company had worked hard to ensure its proposals reflected the feedback it had received from the community.
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Rugby bursary recognises Bill McLaren's legacy
A new bursary to help young rugby players has been set up in honour of the man who became the voice of the Bill McLaren Foundation (BMF) scheme will see up to four female and four male players receive a share of £30, aims to allow them to dedicate more time to their rugby in order to achieve their Scotland captain Rory Lawson, who is Bill's grandson, said the partnership with Scottish Rugby was "incredibly meaningful". Bill McLaren's career behind the microphone began with BBC radio in 1953 and he went on to become one of the most recognisable voices in the game over the next five his death in 2010, the BMF was formed by former friends and colleagues in his hometown of Hawick."Papa dedicated his life not just to rugby as a broadcaster, but to the people in it," said his grandson Rory."He was a teacher at heart, and he believed greatly in nurturing talent with encouragement and purpose."For Scottish Rugby to embrace this vision and help create a pathway for the next generation of Scottish rugby players, especially those who may need a little extra support, makes our family immensely proud and we're honoured that his name continues to inspire and open doors for others." Alan Lawson said his late father-in-law was not just a "legendary commentator" he was also a "committed teacher and mentor"."He always said the game was about more than just what happened on the pitch - it's about character, respect and community," he said."This bursary will encourage home grown talent to actualise their dreams and potential - exactly the kind of legacy he would be proud of."Bill's daughter, Linda Lawson, said it was "very exciting" to see the bursary set up in her father's name."He believed passionately in encouraging young people and instilling the values of respect, discipline, and sportsmanship that define the game at its best," she said."This bursary is a beautiful way to carry forward his legacy — not only his love for rugby, but his belief in its power to shape lives."The initial bursary scheme will run for the first time in the 2025/26 season.
Scotsman
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Duhan van der Merwe fitness status ahead of Edinburgh play-off and Lions tour revealed
Winger has not featured since March 28 Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Edinburgh Rugby are hoping that Duhan van der Merwe will be fit for the United Rugby Championship play-offs after they booked their place in the last eight with a 47-17 win over Ulster on Friday evening. The powerful winger has not played since March 28 when he injured his ankle against the Dragons and had to come off after 11 minutes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Van der Merwe, 29, has since been named in the British & Irish Lions squad for the summer tour of Australia but Edinburgh would love to have him available for their play-off quarter-final on May 31. Duhan van der Merwe during an Edinburgh Rugby training session at the Hive Stadium last week. (Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group) | SNS Group 'We're hoping so,' said Sean Everitt, the Edinburgh head coach. 'He's running and he's doing really well. So we're definitely hoping that we have Duhan for the quarter-final.' In van der Merwe's absence, it was another talismanic winger who played a large part in Edinburgh's victory at Hive Stadium. Darcy Graham, who trails van der Merwe by one in the Scotland all-time try-scorers list, helped himself to a hat-trick against Ulster as Edinburgh secured the bonus-point win to guarantee their place in the play-offs for the first time in three years. Graham was a surprise omission from Andy Farrell's Lions squad when it was named last week but Everitt said the Hawick man had been dealing with the disappointment and also overcame a heel issue to play on Friday. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'He's been struggling with a heel over the last couple of weeks, but this week he was feeling much better, and you could see it in his performance,' said Everitt. 'He's just got to keep on performing and make it really difficult for the Lions to leave him out should injuries occur. 'He's obviously disappointed - it's everyone's dream to play for the Lions. It's always going to be difficult when you've got four countries to choose from, and selection sometimes can be subjective. It's not always going to be factual, so we can't criticise the selection. Andy Farrell's an amazing coach and a really good selector, and he's done wonders with Ireland, so Darcy must just keep on going.' Darcy Graham stretches over the line. | SNS Group Edinburgh's squad will now have a few days off before, in the words of stand-in skipper Magnus Bradbury, it's time to 'tape the body up and go again'. Bradbury was immense on Friday, scoring two tries in an all-action display which encapsulated the improvement in Edinburgh's game in the second half of the campaign. The No 8 reckoned it was the team's most complete performance of the season. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We talked about a fast start - last game at home, great night for it. But contrary to what we've done before, we kept the foot on the throat,' said Bradbury. 'We delivered on it. The boys did their jobs, we all did our jobs, and that's what happens when you get it right. 'We've had great games here before and great games away, but there's always been that 10-minute lapse. We didn't have that on Friday. We've challenged each other on that and we've been challenged by our coaches and we've delivered.' Bradbury has spoken before about a turning point in mid-season when the players stood up and took more responsibility but he refuted the suggestion that Edinburgh had been under-performing in the last couple of years. Magnus Bradbury scored two tries for Edinburgh in the win over Ulster on Friday. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group) | SNS Group 'I think any club when you get a new coach, you have to go through that transition period. So under-performance is the wrong word for me,' said Bradbury. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We've had a huge mentality shift over the Six Nations. It's about putting that onto the pitch next game and then not to look too far ahead, but it's exciting to see what we can do with a decent pre-season as well. Build on the strengths we've built through mid-season and see where that takes us.' It's been a roller coaster campaign for Edinburgh who lost their opening three games but finished strongly, with bonus-point victories over Connacht and Ulster. The 10 points gathered in their final two league matches catapulted them into the top eight as Cardiff lost to the Stormers in South Africa on Friday night. Combined with a run to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup, Bradbury said recent weeks had taken their toll both physically and mentally on the squad. It was time now to 'rest up, saunas, keep off the beers' and focus on the quarter-final.
Scotsman
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Duhan van der Merwe fitness status ahead of Edinburgh play-off and Lions tour revealed
Winger has not featured since March 28 Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Edinburgh Rugby are hoping that Duhan van der Merwe will be fit for the United Rugby Championship play-offs after they booked their place in the last eight with a 47-17 win over Ulster on Friday evening. The powerful winger has not played since March 28 when he injured his ankle against the Dragons and had to come off after 11 minutes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Van der Merwe, 29, has since been named in the British & Irish Lions squad for the summer tour of Australia but Edinburgh would love to have him available for their play-off quarter-final on May 31. Duhan van der Merwe during an Edinburgh Rugby training session at the Hive Stadium last week. (Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group) | SNS Group 'We're hoping so,' said Sean Everitt, the Edinburgh head coach. 'He's running and he's doing really well. So we're definitely hoping that we have Duhan for the quarter-final.' In van der Merwe's absence, it was another talismanic winger who played a large part in Edinburgh's victory at Hive Stadium. Darcy Graham, who trails van der Merwe by one in the Scotland all-time try-scorers list, helped himself to a hat-trick against Ulster as Edinburgh secured the bonus-point win to guarantee their place in the play-offs for the first time in three years. Graham was a surprise omission from Andy Farrell's Lions squad when it was named last week but Everitt said the Hawick man had been dealing with the disappointment and also overcame a heel issue to play on Friday. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'He's been struggling with a heel over the last couple of weeks, but this week he was feeling much better, and you could see it in his performance,' said Everitt. 'He's just got to keep on performing and make it really difficult for the Lions to leave him out should injuries occur. 'He's obviously disappointed - it's everyone's dream to play for the Lions. It's always going to be difficult when you've got four countries to choose from, and selection sometimes can be subjective. It's not always going to be factual, so we can't criticise the selection. Andy Farrell's an amazing coach and a really good selector, and he's done wonders with Ireland, so Darcy must just keep on going.' Darcy Graham stretches over the line. | SNS Group Edinburgh's squad will now have a few days off before, in the words of stand-in skipper Magnus Bradbury, it's time to 'tape the body up and go again'. Bradbury was immense on Friday, scoring two tries in an all-action display which encapsulated the improvement in Edinburgh's game in the second half of the campaign. The No 8 reckoned it was the team's most complete performance of the season. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We talked about a fast start - last game at home, great night for it. But contrary to what we've done before, we kept the foot on the throat,' said Bradbury. 'We delivered on it. The boys did their jobs, we all did our jobs, and that's what happens when you get it right. 'We've had great games here before and great games away, but there's always been that 10-minute lapse. We didn't have that on Friday. We've challenged each other on that and we've been challenged by our coaches and we've delivered.' Bradbury has spoken before about a turning point in mid-season when the players stood up and took more responsibility but he refuted the suggestion that Edinburgh had been under-performing in the last couple of years. Magnus Bradbury scored two tries for Edinburgh in the win over Ulster on Friday. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group) | SNS Group 'I think any club when you get a new coach, you have to go through that transition period. So under-performance is the wrong word for me,' said Bradbury. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We've had a huge mentality shift over the Six Nations. It's about putting that onto the pitch next game and then not to look too far ahead, but it's exciting to see what we can do with a decent pre-season as well. Build on the strengths we've built through mid-season and see where that takes us.' It's been a roller coaster campaign for Edinburgh who lost their opening three games but finished strongly, with bonus-point victories over Connacht and Ulster. The 10 points gathered in their final two league matches catapulted them into the top eight as Cardiff lost to the Stormers in South Africa on Friday night. Combined with a run to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup, Bradbury said recent weeks had taken their toll both physically and mentally on the squad. It was time now to 'rest up, saunas, keep off the beers' and focus on the quarter-final.
