'Anger' as family left in limbo over forever home after housebuilder collapses

A Highland couple say they're desperately seeking answers after the housebuilder tasked with building their dream home went into liquidation.

Dean and Kerry Clark claim to have already paid around £360,000 to Moray based Morlich Homes Ltd, with the house just outside of Nairn currently about 65% complete.

Over the last six weeks, they started to become suspicious when tradies started to leave the site and despite multiple attempts to get in touch with a boss at the company, they haven't heard back.

It has now emerged the business has entered liquidation with their five employees losing their jobs and unfinished properties at risk.

The couple, who have two children under the age of seven, initially began the process of building their four bedroom house in Kingsteps around five years ago.

They were initially working with Ptarmigan Homes, but the Inverness based firm collapsed last year before the build began.

Dean, 34, explained how Morlich then approached them offering to complete the project.

He said: "Morlich actually contacted us off the back of that.

"We did the research into the company, accounts all looked good and the directors seemed reputable.

"The worst thing is just not getting answers, we don't know where to procced from here.

"The whole thing hasn't totally sunk in for me yet, it has been quite a stressful period in the last couple of months.

"We still want to build this house, but we don't know what avenues we have to do that or if it's even possible."

While the exterior of the house is complete, much of the interior including bathrooms, heat pump and electricals are still to be finished.

Dean also explained how one of the reasons why they signed a contract with Morlich was because Morlich told them they were registered with the National House-Building Council (NHBC), which would've proetected them if the firm went bust.

However after checking in with the NHBC, Dean said the site wasn't paid for or registered properly.

His wife, 33-year-old Kerry, described how her emotions about the situation have changed.

She said: "For us, when you're paying this kind of money you expect a level of service.

"We just wanted someone to tell us what was going on.

"We've been left in such a bad financial way, it's absolutely shocking.

"It has taken absolutely everything we have.

"To begin with I was obviously very upset, but I think it's just turned to anger.

"I don't know how they could leave a family in this situation with no answers, just completely left us in the dark."

We tried to contact Morlich Homes, but have received no response.

MHA, Aberdeen have now been appointed as liquidator for the firm.

Creditors are being sent a report today (September 24), which will be posted on the creditor portal.

Partner at MHA, Michael Reid said: "Due to the increased costs of construction and worsening market conditions, plot sales slowed down considerably.

"Construction costs of the factory that MHL (Morlich Homes Ltd) built in Elgin were in excess of the projected sum, causing cash flow problems.

“After a full review of the options, MHL ceased trading activities permanently shortly prior to liquidation in order to protect all stakeholder groups.”

Incorporated in 2010, the main MHL assets are the factory in Elgin, nine serviced plots with planning in Elgin and a former showhouse in Buckie.

According to a spokesperson for the liquidator, current indications suggest that asset realisations should be sufficient to settle the secured creditor in full, leaving a residual balance for preferred and unsecured creditors.

These assets are being subject to an independent valuation.

Other assets include plant, machinery and vehicles subject to hire purchase and sundry debtors. These are being valued by Thainstone Specialist Auctions, Inverurie, and will be sold imminently.

MHL had five employees who were dismissed with effect from September 23rd.