builder Galliford Try has said the Scottish construction market remains strong and hailed the benefits of the recent acquisition of the Miller Construction business.

Announcing record results, the Middlesex-based firm said it has a strong pipeline in Scotland where its construction arm is working on a range of high value public-sector projects.

These include a £26 million project to design and construct the new Clyde Valley schools campus in Wishaw and the £41m redevelopment of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.

The company is in a consortium that was chosen to build the £745m Aberdeen bypass.

The head of its construction division, Ken Gillespie, said: "It's looking very positive for us in Scotland."

Mr Gillespie said Galliford regarded tomorrow's referendum on independence as a matter for the Scottish people. He noted: "Regardless of how people vote we think we will continue to have a strong presence in Scotland."

In recent results announcements, Galliford Try has said the construction market has remained stronger in Scotland than south of the Border, helped by the Scottish Government ­maintaining spending on building projects.

Mr Gillespie said the position has started to change. "We are seeing a substantial pick up in activity south of the border," he said, noting that increased public spending and the economic recovery were driving the upturn.

While Galliford has recorded strong growth in its house­building business in England, Mr Gillespie said the company has no plans to enter the market in Scotland. He said: "In terms of profitability and effort we can do less and make more money in the south."

Mr Gillespie said the acquisition of the construction arm of E­dinburgh-based Miller in July would result in a big increase in Galliford's presence in the ­Scottish market. He expects the acquisition to help grow Galliford Try's construction turnover in Scotland to £350m in the current financial year, from £203m in the 12 months to June. He expects group construction turnover to increase to £1.25bn from £832m.

In July Galliford agreed to pay £16.57m for Miller Construction but also get a £23m cash balance to go along with it.

Galliford increased their group profits before tax by 28 per cent, or £21.1m, to £95.2m in the year to June, from £74.1m in the preceding year.

Galliford said the UK Government's Help to Buy scheme, an easing in mortgage availability and growing consumer confidence were all helping to boost the housebuilding market south of the Border but the rate of house price increases appears to be moderating to more sustainable levels.