Residents in the Inch have bene without a Post Office for over a year. This month I again wrote to Scotmid to press them to take on the franchise.

However Scotmid’s response indicates that they believe Post Offices are becoming less profitable. This combined with limited floor space at their Walter Scott store makes taking on the franchise impossible.

If the Government want the franchising model to work they must make sure the remuneration for Post Offices is attractive. I believe the Post Office could also be more ambitious in the products and services it offers, including banking.

Until then I fear we will see the gradual reduction in Post Offices in our communities as retailers become less willing to take them on.