Travelodge eyes 10 new hotel sites across Scotland

Travelodge's chief executive said there was "a big opportunity" for further expansion in Scotland

Travelodge has announced it is looking for 10 new hotel sites across Scotland as part of an ongoing expansion drive.

The budget hotel chain is considering locations in Oban, Peterhead, St Andrews, Aberdeen, East Kilbride, Falkirk, Hamilton, Wishaw, Motherwell and North Ayrshire.

Travelodge said it represented an investment of £75m and the creation of 200 new jobs.

The chain opened its first Scottish hotel in Stirling in 1986.

It now operates 40 hotels north of the border.

Travelodge chief executive Peter Gowers said: "There is a big opportunity to further expand in Scotland.

"At present, the value hotel market in Scotland stands at 14%, compared to 18% in England and more than 30% in the US.

"By 2030, the budget hotel sector could account for almost a quarter of the UK market, with a similar level of growth expected in Scotland."

Travelodge said it had invested £4m in the last 12 months in modernising more than half of its Scottish hotels.

Work has included revamping rooms, bar cafes and reception areas.

It is part of a wider £57m refurbishment programme Travelodge is currently undertaking throughout the UK.