Certas Energy expands truck stop network with Scottish acquisition

Fuel and lubricants distributor Certas Energy has announced it has completed the acquisition of the Ecclefechan truck stop in Lockerbie, in a move the company describes as an important next step in its network expansion plans.

The multi-million-pound deal represents the second site to be added to Certas Energy’s truck stop network this year, following the takeover of Watling Street in St Albans in February 2026, and the third site in its growing nationwide network.

Situated on junction 19 of A74(M), the ‘Fechan Truckstop is located on the north to south logistics route between Scotland and England, with an estimated 16,000 HGVs passing on the motorway each day.

Certas Energy highlights the growing call to improve and expand safe, secure and high‑quality rest and service facilities for HGV drivers in Scotland, with industry leaders warning that better amenities are essential for driver wellbeing, recruitment and retention, and the resilience of the national freight network.

The firm says it aims to replicate the success of its first site and the UK’s oldest truck stop, The Hollies, The Stop, which initially received a ParkMark Freight Award in 2023, by improving the security and facilities for HGV drivers, in addition to giving the truck stop a full rebrand. The site has continued to retain the award every year since.

Powered entirely by a 100kW wind turbine, which generates surplus electricity that’s fed back into the national grid, Ecclefechan also reinforces the company’s broader sustainability initiatives while making a meaningful contribution to Scotland’s renewable energy sector.

There are also plans for the installation of e-HGV chargers, backed by funding from the Scottish government, and further enhancing the site’s operational and sustainability credentials.

The site is already integrated with the SNAP account network, allowing HGV drivers travelling the A74(M) corridor to access secure parking and pay seamlessly using the widely adopted cashless system, as well as 217 parking spaces.

Certas Energy has already been present at the Ecclefechan site for the past seven years, having opened its HGV refuelling bunker in 2019.

Mike Heaton, head of estate development at Certas Energy, said: “By acquiring a key Scottish truck stop site into the Certas Energy network, we’re not just expanding our footprint – we’re helping to shape the next generation of safe, secure and sustainable truck stops and roadside services.

“Powered by wind, offering upcoming e‑HGV charging and major improvements planned, this site embodies the innovation and investment needed to support the UK’s transition to a lower‑carbon freight future.”

The company’s acquisition of the Ecclefechan truck stop has seen all 20 employees retained, with the potential for further recruitment in the future.