A Moray sub-postmaster will attend a Scottish Parliament conference later this year to highlight the need to protect high streets.
Paul McBain, who runs the branches in Forres and Keith, will speak during the Business in the Parliament talks at Holyrood in November.
Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston invited the retailer to speak after visiting his store last week.
Mr McBain, who is also a board member of the National Federation of Sub Postmasters, believes high streets are crucial to sustaining communities while delivering services.
He said: “I will be vigorously waving the flag for the local high street as I think sometimes we get ignored among all the grand schemes and developments which governments seem to prioritise.”
Mr Halcro Johnston wants town centres to remain integral to attempts to make communities attractive places to live, work and shop.
He said: “It also means they should have a good variety of businesses, and the local post office has always been a crucial component of high streets across the country.
“They provide vital services for many residents and businesses, and their importance has only grown after the withdrawal of so many local bank branches.
“As Paul runs successful post office businesses, I know he will make a very significant contribution to the event as well as ensuring both Moray’s and the Post Office sector’s voice is well represented.”
