Administrators now running the business, previously called Uist Builders (Construction), will try to sell parts of the firm and novate contracts to save some of the 277 staff jobs.

The leading privately owned building and civil engineering firm operated throughout Scotland, trading as UBC Group, Wyvis Building Services, Wyvis Roofing and Mardon Project Services.

Together these businesses turned over £31m from premises in Inverness, Glasgow, Dundee, Bathgate, Stornoway and South Uist.

Managing director of UBC Group, Seumas Pedrana, added:  “This is a very sad day for everyone connected to this family business and the communities we have served for the last 40 years.

“The directors have looked at every possible option to avoid administration but it became inevitable because of the general downturn in the building sector and the inability of some companies to pay us.”

The firm’s contracts include building affordable housing, renewable energy and marine engineering projects.

Administrators Zolfo Cooper said UBC had suffered from the “widespread downturn” which was affecting the construction industry.  ‘

Joint administrator Elizabeth Mackay said: “The financial position facing the business was such that administration was the last remaining option available to the directors.

“Working with all stakeholders including employees, customers, suppliers and regional and national governments, our priority now is to stabilise the business and fully assess the financial position such that we can identify the best possible route forward under what are clearly difficult circumstances.”