Edinburgh-based water retailer Business Stream, a subsidiary of state-owned Scottish Water, said it has been awarded the Scottish Government’s £240 million Water and Waste Water Services Framework contract, which will run for the next three years “with a plus one extension option.”

Business Stream said: “The Framework was awarded following a competitive tender process and will see the retailer deliver water and waste water services to public sector organisations across Scotland, including all 32 local authorities, NHS Scotland, Scottish Fire & Rescue, Police Scotland, Scottish Prison Service, universities and colleges and the Scottish Government.”

Business Stream CEO Jo Dow said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured this Framework.

“We have a vast amount of experience of working with the public sector to deliver cost savings and environmental efficiencies and we’re looking forward to continuing our partnership.

“Our focus will remain on delivering water efficiencies to help further reduce costs, while building on the community benefits and Fair Work First programme we’ve delivered to date”.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Following a competitive tender process with an evaluation based on price and quality, the Scottish Water Business Stream Ltd offering was selected as best value for the Scottish public purse.”