THE Co-operative Food is opening five new stores across Scotland this week, in line with its long-term ­acquisitions strategy.

The new stores are at Carnoustie in Angus and Monifieth near Dundee, and at Wester Inshes and Monarchs View, both in Inverness. In addition, The Co-operative has also reopened its store in Troon, Ayrshire, after it was destroyed by a fire in ­January this year.

Between them, the five shops will provide more than 15,000 sq ft of new retail space and create around 80 new full and part-time jobs.

The retailer has around 400 stores across Scotland and the group said the ­openings reflected its ­strategy to concentrate acquisition efforts on ­delivering 150 stores across the UK by the end of 2014.

Ian Mason, regional ­acquisitions manager for The Co-operative Food, said: "We're constantly looking to develop the quality of our portfolio of stores and how we can work with ­communities to ensure high quality, ethical and unique shopping experiences."

The Co-operative has around 500,000 members in Scotland. Last year the group said in addition to its food stores it had 123 funeral homes, 66 pharmacies, 11,500 staff and 100,000 general insurance customers.