A lack of skilled workers has helped put one of Scotland's leading independent landscaping businesses into liquidation.
Findlay Clark Landscapes of Hazlehead, Aberdeen, was launched in April 2000 following the sale of the Findlay Clark Garden Centre business to Dobbies. However, the business has now ceased trading and all 31 positions, both full- and part-time, at the company have been made redundant with immediate effect.

Provisional liquidator Iain Fraser, director of recovery with RSM Tenon in Aberdeen, said: "The company has a strong brand, an excellent client base and a very good reputation for the quality of its work across the north east of Scotland.

"However, it has been severely affected by a shortage of skilled staff as well as suffering, like many in this sector, from the retentions which are held by building companies and the recession."

With a turnover of around £1.5m, Findlay Clark Landscapes provided garden design, landscaping and maintenance services to a broad portfolio of blue chip residential, commercial and public sector clients. The company had also expanded into paving and driveway installations, snow clearing and gritting services.

Mr Fraser added: "We are now marketing the brand, goodwill and assets for sale, and would urge any interested parties to make contact with us this week."

Interested parties should contact RSM Tenon on 01224 562280.