Discount supermarket group, Lidl has announced plans to open 12 new stores across Scotland, bringing the Scottish estate to 110 stores.
The expanded portfolio will create around 500 jobs for the local communities over the next three years.
Construction had already begun on the new supermarkets in Cowdenbeath, Dumbarton, Dundee, East Kilbride, and Larkhall.
The chain's most recent store opened in Paisley while existing shops in Alloa and Bathgate will be relocated as part of the firm’s regeneration programme.
Ross Millar, Lidl’s regional director for Scotland, said, “Since opening our very first store in Scotland 25 years ago, we’ve opened our doors to towns and cities across the country, employing more than 2,200 people.
“We’re incredibly excited by our ambitious growth plans, and in particular the opening of our 100th store next year, which reinforces our commitment to creating new jobs and providing communities with quality produce at prices that are affordable for everyone.”
Also in Scotland, the construction of Lidl's new 58,000 sq m regional distribution centre is continuing at the Eurocentral industrial estate in North Lanarkshire.
The new facility will replace the company's existing Scottish warehouse in Livingston when it becomes fully operational this November. This will be the group's largest distribution centre in the UK.