Branch manager David Sharp officially opened the 36,500 sq. ft. Store which includes a community room, a large cafe, a bakery grazing area and outdoor seating.

McLaughlin & Harvey also completed a major highway improvement scheme surrounding the store which included installing two new traffic signal controlled crossings, re-aligning the road to create a new two lane approach to the roundabout and creating a new woodland footpath.

The development included a deal which has resulted in a new all-weather rugby pitch for the adjoining West of Scotland Football Club, enabling many more people to train and helping secure the future of the club.

Paul Griffen, construction director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “We have enjoyed working on this keenly anticipated Waitrose store for Milngavie which will provide high quality products and services for the local community. It has been tremendously rewarding to put the finishing touches to the works to ensure the store was completed on time to open its doors to customers.

“This is the third Waitrose for which we have handled all construction and fit out activity and we look forward to continuing our relationship on future developments.”

David Sharp, branch manager, said: “We are so pleased to be opening in Milngavie. This branch is employing 150 local people and with initiatives including our Partner Volunteering scheme, we really look forward to playing a significant role in the local community.”

Richard Lewis, property director of Town Centre Securities PLC, added: “Our development of the Waitrose Milngavie store is a superb example of excellence in design construction and collaboration between TCS, Waitrose, West of Scotland Football Club, McLaughlin & Harvey and East Dunbartonshire Council, in order to bring about a considerable benefit to the local community.”