The housebuilder said its expansion north of the Border underpins employment for about 4000 new and existing jobs.

Barratt said it predominately employs local sub-contractors and tradesmen for each development site.

The company will open new sites at in Edinburgh at Newcraighall Village, Dunddingston Gardens and Alnwickhill; in Aberdeen at Muggiemoss Road, Mugiemoss Village and Ocean; Kings Way, Renfrew; Highland Gate, Stirling; Silver Bell, Hamilton; Parklands, Coatbridge; Barclay Grange, Newmachar; and Harlaw Gait, Inverurie.

Douglas McLeod, regional director at Barratt Scotland, said: “We have seen demand for new homes expand very quickly over the year and the new sites we are opening mean that there will be more choice for local buyers.

“And it’s good news for the local economy, as in addition to supporting existing local construction jobs as well as creating new ones by building new homes, the local people who move into the new housing will also spend their wages locally.

“This means a significant boost for local retailers as well. It’s exactly what our local communities need.”