The Inverness-based firm, which served customers across the Highlands and Islands, entered liquidation on September 25.

Iain Fraser, partner at specialist business advisory firm FRP Advisory LLP, was appointed as provision liquidator by the court.

Mr Fraser said: “Urquhart & Co had been long established in providing plumbing and heating services working particularly with housebuilders in Inverness and the wider Highlands and Islands. Unfortunately, an increasingly competitive market has reduced profit margins and caused unsustainable cashflow difficulties, which have forced the company to enter into liquidation.

“We are now focused on selling the assets of the company and recovering outstanding contract debts, and will work closely with all agencies, including the Redundancy Payments Office, to ensure that employees receive every support at this difficult time.”