Rural post offices to be closed in Scotland

Proposals for the Highlands would see 18 branches closed and 11 replaced by reduced services.

The Post office said most residents in the area would see no change to their current service, or would be within a mile from an alternative branch.

The public has been asked for their views on the plans, which would see 180 Highland branches remain open.

Highland MSPs offered their support to communities which want to fight the proposals.

Proposals to axe 44 post offices in Glasgow, Argyll and Central Scotland have already been unveiled.

Plans for other parts of Scotland will be announced later in 2008.

Under the Highland plans, 11 outlets would be replaced by “outreach” operations which would see them become a mobile post office, or based in a shop, cafe or other business.

Another option would see a telephone service provide facilities such as parcel collection.

Labour Highlands and Islands MSP Peter Peacock said he was disappointed at the closure plans.

Sally Buchanan, the Post Office’s network development manager for Scotland, said: “Taking the decision to close any post office branch is always very difficult and we know will cause concern to many of our customers.

“We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on or has any concern with post office services is both fully aware of the changes we are proposing to meet UK Government requirements, and able to give views on how accessible services will be in the future.”

Up to 2,500 post offices will be axed across the UK, to put the network on a more viable footing.

The Highland proposals are open for consultation until 18 February.

Proposals for the Highlands would see 18 branches closed and 11 replaced by reduced services.

The Post office said most residents in the area would see no change to their current service, or would be within a mile from an alternative branch.

The public has been asked for their views on the plans, which would see 180 Highland branches remain open.

Highland MSPs offered their support to communities which want to fight the proposals.

Proposals to axe 44 post offices in Glasgow, Argyll and Central Scotland have already been unveiled.

Plans for other parts of Scotland will be announced later in 2008.

Under the Highland plans, 11 outlets would be replaced by “outreach” operations which would see them become a mobile post office, or based in a shop, cafe or other business.

Another option would see a telephone service provide facilities such as parcel collection.

Labour Highlands and Islands MSP Peter Peacock said he was disappointed at the closure plans.

Sally Buchanan, the Post Office’s network development manager for Scotland, said: “Taking the decision to close any post office branch is always very difficult and we know will cause concern to many of our customers.

“We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on or has any concern with post office services is both fully aware of the changes we are proposing to meet UK Government requirements, and able to give views on how accessible services will be in the future.”

Up to 2,500 post offices will be axed across the UK, to put the network on a more viable footing.

The Highland proposals are open for consultation until 18 February.

Proposed branch closures:

Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey – Harbour Street, Kingsmills Road, Abriachan.

Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross – Spittal, Barrock, Pultneytown, Saltburn.

Ross, Skye and Lochaber – Breakish, Contin, Duncanstown, Earlish, Killearnan, Maryburgh, Onich, Rosemarkie, Treslaig, Waternish, West End Dingwall.

Proposed “outreach” services:

Kirkhill, Kessock, Edderton, Kildary, Cawdor, Croy, Ardersier, Farr, Latheron, Mid Clyth, Canisbay.