The larger North West territory is expected to be worth around £900m, while the North East area will involve a spend of around £530m over possible 12-year terms.

Interested firms have been given until the end of October to complete pre-qualification documents.

The tranche 2 Scottish Trunk Road Network deals follow the award of the south west network to Amey and the south east to Bear alliance – Eurovia, Jacobs and Breedon – earlier this year.

Firms will be limited to running a maximum of two regions in Scotland, under Scottish Minister procurement rules.

Presently the Bear alliance holds the two northern regions, which means at least one region will be operated by a newcomer.

Previous 4th generation Scottish Trunk Road set-up

Firms can express an interest on the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site – North West or North East.