Mr Bruce supported his late father Bill Bruce in founding Scotia back in 1990 and is stepping down from his role to become more involved with his family’s farming and commercial property businesses.

The business is moving to a co-leadership model with existing directors Graham Reid and Richard Begbie being appointed joint managing directors to succeed Mr Bruce.

Mr Bruce said: “It has been an incredible journey with so much being achieved by so many. There have been phenomenal experiences providing great memories and I am leaving behind an enthusiastic, hard-working and loyal team who I will miss greatly. I am delighted at Graham and Richard’s appointments which represent the beginning of an exciting phase for Scotia and I wish them both every success in their new roles.”

Gary Gerrard, chairman of Scotia Homes, said: “Martin has made an outstanding contribution to Scotia over the past 30 years and we will miss him hugely. Martin is a great leader who is well respected by his fellow directors and colleagues and is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the housebuilding industry.

“He has led the business through two recessions, three oil price crashes and the Covid pandemic which all had a dramatic impact on the housebuilding sector. Notwithstanding these major economic downturns, Martin leaves the business in great shape from an operational and financial perspective and today, Scotia remains one of the few remaining privately owned regional housebuilders in Scotland.”

Mr Gerrard added: “Whilst Martin will be missed by the business, I am delighted to announce the joint appointment of Graham Reid and Richard Begbie as his successors. Change brings opportunity and we have two outstanding young leaders with complimentary skillsets who will continue our vision of building high quality homes for our customers and putting people at the heart of everything we do. Graham joined Scotia in 2021 after a successful career in surveying, banking and property development; Richard has been with Scotia for almost 20 years in a variety of roles from project management, health & safety and most recently, construction director.”

Scotia Homes has current and future developments in Aberdeen, Arbroath, Aviemore, Ballater, Blairgowrie, Braemar, Brechin, Croy, Ellon, Forfar, Insch, Inverness, Kincraig, Kintore, Newmachar, Oldmeldrum, Perth, St Andrews and Tarves.