Workers at the HEROtsc call centre in Aviemore, which provides expertise and business solutions, learned the news after being gathered together by chief executive David Turner.
He said the centre would be closing today with the loss of 85 jobs after HSBC announced plans to move their contract with them in April and the failure to find a replacement customer.
Mr Turner described the decision as "a very black day for Aviemore" after admitting they had lost out to a rival firm which is based in a city location.
He told the workers: "Since HSBC informed us of their intention to move their contract with us elsewhere, we have been working tirelessly to try and find an alternative customer. Despite our efforts, we have been unsuccessful in sourcing a new client. I am immensely saddened we couldn't bring work here.
"This is a very black day for Aviemore and HEROtsc. Deep down there was always the hope something might turn up but we must now face reality and accept that isn't going to happen."
The decision follows months of talks to obtain another contract for the site, involving Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government. Mr Turner praised his workforce's "loyalty, commitment and dignity" during an "incredibly difficult few months" since HSBC made the announcement in April. Describing them as a "real inspiration," he said he hoped their talents and skills would be redeployed elsewhere soon.
However, he added: "It is devastating a state-of-the- art customer management centre, with a strong team of dedicated professionals, is now being lost."
Staff refused to comment as they left the offices following the meeting. One woman had to be consoled by a colleague and others were seen leaving with boxes of possessions.
Posts have already been lost in HSBC call centres Edinburgh following the cutbacks as part of the bank's global efficiency drive. Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, has described it as devastating news for the community.
It came on the day it emerged hundreds of retail jobs may go in Scotland amid claims Sports Direct is to buy a one-third of debt-laden rival JJB Sports stores and leave the rest of the struggling business to its fate. The takeover will lead to huge uncertainty over the remaining 120 shops once its rival takes over the 60 outlets it reportedly wants.
