Former Kwik-Fit chief Sir Tom Farmer is set to re-enter the motor business after taking over the tenancy of several prime sites used by his former fast fit company.

Sir Tom has taken possession of four key locations where he has owned the leasehold since he sold the repair chain.

They include a site in Dunfermline, another in Bathgate, and two in Edinburgh - including a large, high-profile property in Blackhall.

The Scots entrepreneur yesterday declined to reveal his plans, but industry insiders have suggested that he may be set to launch an upmarket chain of repair shops to service cars such as Jaguars, Land Rovers and Mercedes.