BAM and McLaughlin & Harvey for the first time join Balfour Beatty, Graham Construction, Kier and Robertson-led RMF, which have retained their places.

Laing O’Rourke failed to renew this time around.

The new framework will focus on greater collaboration, best practice design and respond to recommendations of the Cole report into procurement in Scotland, and demonstrate value for money.

Winning firms will have the chance for a share of a £110m annual spending programme on community hospitals, primary care centres, mental health units and other acute services.