Kinlochleven Post Office is spared from a temporary closure, but good news is yet to reach the communities of Portree and Caol.
The Kinlochleven community was initially informed that their local Post Office was to be temporarily closed from March 20.
The Post Office cited “the resignation of the postmaster and the withdrawal of the premises for Post Office use” as their reasoning.
However, this decision was fortunately reversed.
Kinlochleven Post Office has been spared from a temporary closure. Image: Google Street ViewKinlochleven Post Office sub-postmaster Andrew Baxter delivered the positive news on social media.
Mr Baxter shared that the Post Office would remain open and operate on reduced hours.
Kinlochleven Post Office spared from closure
He said: “After discussions with Post Office Limited last week we have agreed to continue operating a restricted service on a temporary basis until further notice.”
Furthermore, the sub-postmaster was able to confirm that all typical services will operate despite restricted hours.
He then shared: “All the normal services will remain available.”
From Tuesday March 21, Kinlochleven Post Office will be operate on the following hours:
- Tuesdays: 10am-12:30pm, and 1:30pm-4pm
- Fridays: 10am-12:30pm, and 1:30pm-4pm
Post Office ‘keen’ to restore services to Caol
Caol Post Office’s closure occurred as a result of the McColl’s store shutting.
McColl’s shut in January 2023, taking Caol’s Post Office with it. Image: Google MapsMorrison’s, the supermarket giant, bought over McColl’s in May 2022.
Unfortunately, the McColl’s store in Caol was one of the 132 stores to close across the UK.
A Post Office spokesman said: “The branch temporarily closed in January when the McColl’s store, where the branch was based, closed.”
This means the community have had to use alternative branches in Corpach and Fort William.
However, the Post Office is keen to get the service restored again for the community.
They hope to hear from Caol retailers about taking on the post office. For those interested, the opportunity is advertised on www.runapostoffice.co.uk.
Plans to reopen Portree Post Office ‘not yet finalised’
Unfortunately, the Portree Post Office has not been so lucky.
It is understood that no one is available to take up the position of post master following the resignation of the last post holder.
A Post Office spokesperson shares: “We are working hard to try to restore Post Office services to Portree as soon as possible.”
“Plans are not yet been finalised to reopen the branch.”
Councillor John Finlayson is an independent councillor for Skye. He has described the situation for Portree as ‘disappointing’.
“My own feelings are that the Post Office need to do more to recruit someone,” said councillor Finlayson.
He also believes that Post Office Counters should be doing more to recruit a post master.
He states that it should also ensure, in the interim, that cover is available.
He added: “Even if not five days a week until a permanent appointment is made.
“While the local community should expect a decent level of service there is also the added dimension that Skye is the second busiest tourist destination in Scotland.”
“It is totally unacceptable that a place as busy as Portree does not have a Post Office.”
