People across the Highlands and Islands are receiving some of the poorest first class Royal Mail services anywhere in the UK, according to new figures highlighted by the SNP, prompting fresh calls for an investigation into postal delivery standards.

Research commissioned by the party found Royal Mail has met its target of delivering 93 per cent of first class letters within one working day just three times since the service was privatised, and not once since 2016 and 2017.

The latest figures show only 75 per cent of first class mail is now being delivered within one day, despite the price of a first class stamp rising from 64 pence in 2016 to £1.80 this year.

The figures are even more stark across parts of rural Scotland.

In the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Caithness, only 54 per cent of first class letters are delivered within one working day.

Argyll and many of the Western Isles record a figure of 61 per cent, while Shetland has the lowest reported performance at just 31 per cent.

The SNP says the figures highlight a significant gap between postal services in rural Scotland and those in southern England, where many areas record first class delivery rates of 75 per cent or higher.

The party is calling on the UK Labour Government to instruct communications regulator Ofcom to investigate Royal Mail’s performance and ensure the universal service obligation is being delivered fairly across Scotland.

Commenting on the figures, SNP MSP Jenni Minto said:

“Year on year the service provided by the Royal Mail continues to diminish, the damage done to this vital service impacts those in rural communities hardest.

“The decision to sell off the Royal Mail by Westminster was short-sighted and neglectful.

“It is no a surprise it’s been over a decade since they last met their targets.

“What is most concerning is that parts of Scotland, particularly the Highlands and Islands, have seen the level of service they receive drop far below that of Southern England.

“It is time for the UK Labour government to take their heads out of the sand and press Ofcom into finally holding the Royal Mail to account for this unacceptable level of service.”