Kate Forbes MSP has called on the Post Office for a solution to maintain postal services in Kilchoan, following the announcement that the community’s only local Post Office will close at the end of the month.
In a letter to the Post Office, Ms Forbes raised strong concerns from residents across the Ardnamurchan Peninsula about the impact of the loss of this essential rural service, warning that the closure would significantly affect elderly and vulnerable residents.
Ms Forbes highlighted that the nearest alternative Post Office is a 40-mile round trip away.
She has urged the Post Office to explore all options, including the establishment of a mobile or outreach service to ensure continuity of access for local people.
The MSP for Skye, Lochaber, and Badenoch commented:
“I’ve heard from constituents who are primarily concerned that the closure of this service will impact vulnerable members of the community, particularly elderly people, as the next Post Office is a 40-mile round trip away.
“I wrote to the Post Office to raise these concerns, and to ask what other measures have been considered including securing another provider and the possibility of a regular mobile or outreach service.
“The Post Office have assured me that they are continuing to look at both short and long-term options and that they are engaging with community representatives.
“The Post Office in Kilchoan provides an important service, and I’ll continue to work alongside the community to find a secure solution.”
The Post Office has confirmed to Ms Forbes that it is actively exploring both short and long-term solutions, including discussions with nearby postmasters about creating an outreach service operating from a local venue such as the village hall.
The organisation also stated that it is engaging with community representatives to identify a more permanent arrangement.
