Latest figures from Public Contracts Scotland show that 68% of contracts across all industries were awarded to Scottish SMEs – a rise of 12% since 2010.

Scotland’s public bodies spend over £9bn each year on procurement with construction accounting for more than 25% of the total.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “As these statistics illustrate, public sector contracts are of great significance to Scottish businesses and play an important role in building a wealthier and more successful nation.

“Last year saw substantial changes to Public Contracts Scotland that will further improve and simplify the ways businesses deal with the public sector.

“It is testament to the improvements made that we are now in a position where more small companies in Scotland than ever before are winning business with the Scottish public sector.”

Glasgow-based Craig and Buchanan used the portal to win a £806,000 package at the Scottish Crime Campus where Balfour Beatty is main fit-out contractor.

Pat Shannon, managing director, said: “We have had success through PCS with other public sector work. This Balfour Beatty contracts is vital at a time when the construction industry is still operating in a challenging economic climate.

“The Scottish Crime Campus contract is worth £806,000 to us, which is significant value for a business of our size.

“We normally take on two apprentices a year. However, thanks to the Balfour Beatty contract, we have employed an additional draughtsperson.

“We are hopeful that continued successes through PCS will greatly support the sustainability and growth of Craig and Buchanan.”

Hector MacAulay, Balfour Beatty Delivery Unit Managing Director, said:  “Balfour Beatty was delighted to be awarded the Scottish Crime Campus fit-out contract by tendering through the Public Scotland Contract portal.

“We then, for the first time on any Scottish project, used the portal service to successfully procure the work package contractors.

“The PCS service has benefited all of us. On the project we have appointed local companies employing local labour, which benefits the local community.

“In addition, new subcontractors have been identified for Balfour Beatty to work with in the future. This has been a great example of collaborative working with the Scottish Government.”