Barrhead Travel is investing £1.5million in the creation of 100 new jobs across Scotland and the north of England.

The Glasgow-headquartered independent has unveiled plans to create a mix of full and part-time contracts at stores in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and contact centres in Larbert and Cumbria.

The expansion includes around 30 roles across its Glasgow stores, 15 at its stores in the Gyle, St James and Cameron Toll shopping centres in Edinburgh, along with 20 in Larbert and 20 in Cumbria. The total includes modern apprentice positions and salaried homeworker roles.

Barrhead says staff are being recruited across a variety of departments at all levels, in response to increased demand across a number of areas of the business.

The firm, which currently employs 850 staff across the UK, also plans to open at least another three stores in Edinburgh in the coming months, which will involve further job creation.

Sharon Munro, chief executive, said: "As we grow and develop as a business, it's vital for us to invest in job creation." She said the business was "very proud to be in a financial position which allows us to invest" in expanding the workforce, adding: "Our aim is to assemble the best possible teams of people across each of our specialisms and to provide customers with an unparalleled travel offering. The level of investment and the number of jobs we are creating demonstrates that we are continuing to grow the business and strengthen our team."

The company's last accounts showed pre-tax profits rising from £1.6m to £1.8m on the back of a 23 per cent rise in turnover to £192m. The eight new shops opened during the year took the retail estate to 54.

Barrhead said it was looking for applications from candidates with industry experience but would also welcome enquiries from "individuals with general sales experience who have travelled extensively", with full training provided.