One vice-chancellor from this group said he might consider charging the maximum for courses such as business or accountancy while charging perhaps only half as much for, say, a philosophy degree.

BBC: Students could be tough customers

It was floated on the AIM stock market in 2010, and in 2011 it was named as Scotland's fastest-growing technology business by the accountancy firm Deloitte.

BBC: Business

Business services, such as accountancy and legal advice, also suffered a drop in trading, but not as much as feared.

BBC: CBI: Service sector weakens in most recent quarter

Accountancy, it must be said, is a unique business.

ECONOMIST: Too few accountants

In a statement, the administrators, from the Belfast-based accountancy and consultancy firm RSM McClure Watters, said that the hotel would remain open for business.

BBC: Leading Portrush hotel goes into administration