Hotel chain Premier Inn will open five new hotels in Scotland this year, creating 200 jobs.

The plans include a 249-bed "mega hotel" in St Enoch Square.

A new hotel is also planned in Aviemore with 60 beds, a 96-bed facility will be opened in Hamilton, and one in Thurso will offer 85 beds.

The chain is also planning extensions at its hotels in Edinburgh East, Fort William and Inverness West.

The company said the openings represent an investment of more than £70m and will create an estimated 200 new jobs.

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Premier Inn managing director Simon Ewins said: "We're gearing up for an exciting year in Scotland with a variety of new hotels ranging from a 249-bed mega-hotel in one of Glasgow's most iconic central locations to our most northerly site in the UK in Thurso.

"From its world-class cities to jaw-dropping Highlands, Scotland's tourist offer is hard to beat and we're pleased to help make it even easier for both leisure and business travellers to enjoy the country affordably."

The hotel chain said it is on course to offer 735 more beds through the new hotels and extensions.