From apprentice aged 14 to deputy chairman of Barratt operation

Scotia Homes has its roots in building business William Bruce and Sons.

Bill Bruce left school at 14 to become an apprentice joiner with the firm, run by his father.

From humble beginnings, the company went on to carry out major projects acquired, housing through Mr Bruce and giant the was in rose Barratt. ranks 1973, eventually rapidly and by by of Barratt 1982 was Scotland chairman and deputy chairman of the whole group. But in the mid-1980s he opted for a change of pace, leaving Barratt to set up property firm Bruce and Partners, with his son, Martin. The pair launched Scotia in 1990.

Mr Bruce senior, who was also a prominent Aberdeen-Angus cattle breeder, lived in Ellon his entire life.

He died last November after a battle with ataxia and then cancer.

Bruce Linton, one half of the duo who now own Scotia, is the property entrepreneur behind Dundee-based James Keiller Holdings.

Mr Linton said: “I will look to grow the company quite aggressively in the Angus and Tayside areas. David Cameron, from Aviemore, will grow it in the north.

“It’s a strategic move by the both of us to capitalise on the opportunity of a very well-run business.

“Martin is staying on as CEO, which is great news. He’s a shareholder too.

“We’d really like to see the family connection stay with the company and to grow the business well.”

Mr Cameron has other property interests and is a director of Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC.

Bill Bruce launched Scotia