Royal Mail makes UK’s first drone package delivery with parcel drop-off at remote Scottish lighthouse

oyal Mail has become the first UK parcel carrier to deliver a package with a drone.

The landmark delivery was made to a remote lighthouse on the Isle of Mull in Scotland, the second largest island of the Inner Hebrides.

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) delivery is the first step of a trial in the New Year which will focus on using drones to deliver to rural communities on the Isle of Mull.

Tom Nunn, a local postman for the Isle of Mull, said drones would be a “huge help” as some of the houses on the island involve a 30 minute walk to the front door.

“I am very pleased to be involved in this fantastic trial,” said Mr Nunn. 

“It is an exciting opportunity to test out new ways of working to support us posties that deliver in some of the most remote areas of the UK.”

As with all Royal Mail deliveries across the UK, postcodes are used to route the parcel towards its destination. A local postman will then use a drone to reach the most remote locations on their patch faster.

The Royal Mail said residents on the Isle of Mull who take part in the consulation will be invited to use the DronePrep platform to assess the viability of their platform for a drone delivery. 

Geolocation service, what3words, will help residents pinpoint a suitable landing location for the drone delivery.

Nick Landon, Chief Commercial Officer at Royal Mail, said: “Delivering the first live parcel in the UK by an unmanned drone was a landmark day for us. 

“We are incredibly proud to be working with DronePrep, Skyports and what3words to trial new ways to support the more remote and isolated communities we serve. This is part of our constant drive to incorporate the best innovative technologies into our network. 

“We’ve seen a huge increase in parcel volumes this year and this is just one of the ways we are looking at to support our frontline delivery staff and deliver fast, convenient and green services for all of our customers.”