MSP queries why Highland-based construction firm has gone into administration

8 June 2010

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has written to the First Minister to try to find out why a major construction company has gone into administration.

She has asked Alex Salmond if he will investigate the reasons why Inverness-based Highland Quality Construction (HQC) was not paid for work on a major roads project, forcing it into administration.

She also emphasised the need for Government and other public bodies to pay their bills on time.

In her letter she also took the opportunity to ask him to ensure that the 138 employees received the information and support they required at this worrying time.

HQC, which specialises in road building, had an annual turnover of £20m and had been involved in major contracts throughout Scotland, including upgrading the A9 and the M80.

Rhoda Grant said: "The loss of such a big employer in the Highlands is a huge blow for the economy and I wonder why it was not paid for the roads project as this might have saved HQC.

"I also want the Government to give as much information and support as they can to the HQC employees and to make sure that no other company goes into administration as a result of bills not being paid on time by the Government and other public bodies."

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