The appointment was made on 10 September.

The Moray-based business, which employs 32 staff, has been placed into administration following a period of increased cash-flow pressures. The administrators have retained all staff and will continue to trade the company while actively seeking a buyer, The Herald reports.

Joint administrator Mr Smith described Christies as a “well-established and respected name in the sector with high-quality infrastructure and a skilled workforce”. He added: “We are trading the business while we explore all options to secure its future and would welcome early engagement from any interested parties.”

The administrators highlighted that the business has recently invested significantly in its infrastructure at the Arradoul site, including state-of-the-art grading facilities and cold-store refrigeration.

The administration affects the nursery and tree-growing business and is separate from the Christies of Fochabers garden centre, which was sold to Simpsons Garden Centres in June to allow the previous owners to retire.