Pentarq to close Kirkwall office

A lack of chartered professional staff is being blamed for Pentarq’s plans to close its Kirkwall office, with the loss of eight jobs.

The architectural and quantity surveying business will now be run from its office in Thurso.

On Tuesday, Pentarq director, Alan Gray, stressed all existing contracts would be honoured and that the firm will continue to do business throughout the Highlands and Islands.

The office closure stems from the firm’s problem in recruiting and retaining chartered professionals.

Over the past three years, three surveyors have left the firm. Although attempts were made to fill the vacancies, these proved unsuccessful.