The closure of a Post Office in a Highland village has triggered fears that it could be “another nail in the coffin” for the community.
Concerns have been raised since the branch at Muir of Ord shut its doors without notice about two weeks ago, forcing customers to travel more than 2.5miles to Beauly.
A spokesman for the Post Office has described the closure as “temporary” and “due to operational reasons”.
The branch was due to be moved to the Highland Grocers store further up Great North Road later this year.
Its temporary closure follows the axing of the Muir of Ord branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland last year.
Local councillor Alister Mackinnon said: “There’s a lot of disquiet about that. The existing Post Office was going to be transferred across the road on 23 August but for internal reasons the Post Office has been closed.
“I’ve had a number of phone calls and letters from concerned residents. I do understand the concerns.
“The concerned residents in Muir of Ord were pointing out that it was only recently that their bank was closed and they worry this could be another nail in the coffin.
“But I am reassured that the office will move and re-open.”
Frances MacGruer, Muir of Ord Community Council chairwoman, said: “The Post Office had been in touch with the community council to say it has been temporarily closed but they were hoping it would be re-opening shortly.
“It is difficult for older people who depend on the service. There was a home service to the rural areas too which has ceased, and that will be a great miss.”
A Post Office Spokesperson said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of the Muir of Ord Post Office branch, this is due to operational reasons.
“We would like to reassure customers that we are working hard to restore the service to the community as soon as possible and are committed to maintaining services in the area.
“In the meantime, customers can access Post Office services at any alternative branch including Beauly Post Office.”
