Enquiries 'ongoing' as police dismantle cannabis farm at hotel in centre of Hawick
Last updated 6th Feb 2025
"It brings a whole new meaning to the term high street," one passerby said.
A pungent smell hung over Hawick today (Thursday) as police dismantled a cannabis farm in the centre of town.
WATCH: Click on the link below to view our video from the scene...
Officers unearthed the cultivation in the former Elm House Hotel on Tuesday.
The number and value of plants seized has not yet been revealed.
But police are continuing to guard the 16-bed property on North Bridge Street for a third night.
Sixteen months ago, cannabis plants worth up to £771,000 were found just yards away in the former Buccleuch Hotel in Trinity Street - which has 20 bedrooms.
Two Albanians have since been jailed in connection with that seizure.
Two more Albanians are due to appear in court in the Borders on Monday in connection with a cultivation estimated to be worth up to £105,000, which was found at a former carpet warehouse in nearby Havelock Street last June.
It's understood no arrests have been made in connection with the latest cannabis farm. Police say enquiries are "ongoing".
This afternoon, men in white suits could be seen removing property from the Elm - which was renamed The Hawick Hotel following a change of owners three years ago.
What appeared to be tall plants could also be seen dumped in a skip at the rear entrance of the property, which looks onto the Wetherspoon's bar in Bourtree Place.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 9.30am on Tuesday, February 4th, we received a report of a possible cannabis cultivation in the North Bridge Street area of Hawick.
“Officers attended and enquiries are ongoing.”
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