Following pressure from north politicians, supermarkets are in the process of contacting vulnerable customers to speed up the delivery of groceries ordered online.
Concerns have been raised that individuals who have been urged to stay at home are missing out on receiving essential goods as delivery slots are increasingly hard to obtain.
In response to rising complaints, Tesco has confirmed it is working with the Scottish Government on finding a solution.
And Sainsbury’s recently confirmed that it was waiting for government databases for Scotland – and will contact vulnerable customers to prioritise their needs “as soon as we are able”.
Tesco explained that it is experiencing unprecedented demand for deliveries, with the number being carried out across the UK rising by 145,000 in last two weeks.
A spokesman added: “We are also adding nearly 200 new vans, and have recruited another 2,500 drivers and over 5,000 pickers.
“We continue to encourage those who are able to safely come to stores to do so, to free up online delivery slots for those who are self-isolating or most in need.”
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead said he had been contacted by worried constituents who have been unable to have items dropped off at their doors.
Mr Lochhead said: “I’ve had many people contact me over the last week or so, who are either vulnerable or self-isolating, and they just can’t get home delivery.
“Our supermarkets have a big role to play, given the volume of sales they account for, and it is vital that vulnerable people in Moray can access online deliveries at this challenging time.”
Highlands and islands MSP Donald Cameron recently called for shoppers to show
“restraint” when placing orders over the internet.
The Conservative politician said some constituents falling into the “vulnerable” category were facing a three-week wait for a viable slot.
Mr Cameron said: “We should remember that for some people this is a lifeline
service, as they find it very challenging to physically shop in person.”
In England, Sainsbury’s has offered an additional 150,000 elderly and vulnerable customers a priority delivery slot, after giving 450,000 the opportunity last week.
The shopping firm has lifted buying restrictions on “thousands of products” to help customers shop for vulnerable people who are unable to leave the house.
