Tim Hortons has secured its first franchise partner, who will open a site in Scotland by the end of the year.

The Canadian chain, which made its UK debut last year, is partnering with Graeme and Lisa Tobias, who are to open a drive-through restaurant in Stenhousemuir.

“We have initial plans to open a cluster of sites in the next 12 months and work with the Tim Hortons UK team for many years to come,” said Graeme Tobias.

Tim Hortons stated that many businesses had been interested in becoming franchisees, and that it would continue to seek further partners.

“Graeme and Lisa are experienced, successful operators and we believe they will deliver the Tim Hortons brand in Stenhousemuir and in other locations in the future to excellent effect,” added Kevin Hydes, Tim Hortons UK chief finance & commercial officer.

Tim Hortons opened its first UK site in June 2017, and has since launched further sites in around Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast and Manchester. It offers a menu including its signature coffee and Timbits bite-sized doughnuts.

The Tim Hortons brand was founded by its namesake, a top ice hockey player, in Canada in 1964 and now has around 4,700 sites in Canada, the US, and around the world.