The contractors will build five new schools for development partner hub North Scotland and local authorities taking part in the initiative.

Robertson will work on the new Hazelhead Campus and the refurbished and extended St Peters Roman Catholic School for Aberdeen City Council, the new Brae Campus for Shetland Islands Council and the new Mull 2-18 Campus for Argyll and Bute Council.

Balfour Beatty will build the new Forres Academy for the Moray Council. The five projects will provide new and refurbished buildings for 3,840-pupils at a total cost of £333m.

Richard Park, Chief Executive of hub North Scotland, said: “This is a key moment for the North Schools Programme in reaching the preferred bidder stage for our main contractors. A huge amount of work has already been undertaken by our local authority partners and our supply chain in progressing these projects.

“This collaboration allowed our partners to share best practice, knowledge and resources to achieve the programme goals and also helped streamline key elements which will bring cost, time and quality benefits in delivering these projects.”

Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: “Bringing together local authorities, the pioneering hub North Schools Programme champions experience, best practice and quality while supporting each local authority’s ambitious plans to invest in education and the prosperity of future generations.”

Hector MacAulay MBE, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s regional business in Scotland said: “We are pleased that our extensive experience in delivering world-class education facilities has been recognised in our selection to deliver the new Forres Campus.

“As we begin pre-construction works, we look forward to look forward to continuing our long established and close working relationship with Moray Council and hub North Scotland to ensure the successful delivery of this modern, sustainable, and inspiring learning environment.”