SUPERMARKET chain Lidl, which has a market share of 5.6 per cent in Scotland, has announced a £50 million investment in its property portfolio over the next 12 months and the creation of 300 jobs.

The retailer has eight new Lidl of the Future stores (LOF) stores – Hawick, Stirling, Greenock, Partick, Oban, Broughton, Craigmillar and Slateford currently in the construction phase.

The LOF specification features a state-of-the-art, glass-fronted design which will see all future planning applications for Lidl stores designed in the same way.

Along with its cutting edge design, the LOF concept will also go a step further with sustainable and environmentally friendly technology not requiring a gas connection. The LOF stores, will have a greater sales area than current stores with a much improved welfare area for employees.

With this expansion and investment in Scotland, Lidl, the first British retailer to pay above and beyond the Living Wage rate set by the Living Wage Foundation will create up to 300 new jobs.

Ross Millar, Lidl’s managing director in Scotland, said: “This latest phase in our growth is testament to the continued success of Lidl in Scotland. Our planned investment over the next 12 months signifies our commitment to Scotland and the fact that we are proud to serve Scotland with our best quality for the best price offering.”