Phones were ringing off the hook at Inverness-based Highland Quality Construction following reports the £20m turnover contractor was in the hands of administrators.

One supplier told the Enquirer: “We don’t know who the administrator is and it’s impossible to get through to the firm.”

HQC has worked on a number of large civil engineering schemes including the Glendoe Hydro scheme, Inverness Airport and the A382 at Achnasheen.

The firm also has a recycling business which was not answering phone calls and a plant hire operation.

The BBC reported that HQC’s directors resigned last Thursday and an administrator was appointed on Friday.

It said that last night lorries and other heavy machinery could be seen which had been stripped of their distinctive HQC logos.