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Royal Mail delays affecting Shieldaig, Applecross, Torridon and Lochcarron risk “irreversible damage” according to Angus MacDonald, the MP for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire.
He has called for urgent action to address the “unacceptable collapse” of Royal Mail services across Wester Ross, following weeks of disruption impacting residents in Shieldaig, Applecross, Torridon and Lochcarron.
Constituents have raised serious concerns about missed NHS letters, unreceived medications, and delays to vital business supplies, with the MP warning that the disruption is now affecting health, livelihoods and local economies.
“This isn’t just about late birthday cards or missing Amazon parcels,” said Mr MacDonald. “People are missing NHS appointments, prescriptions, and essential deliveries for their businesses. That’s completely unacceptable.”
Vik Stonebridge, owner of Balnacra Pottery in Lochcarron, said the situation was becoming critical: “We desperately need our normal daily post resumed before irreversible damage is done to our businesses and communities.”
Another local business owner, Georgina King, highlighted the lack of transparency in Royal Mail’s response: “A number of residents have been told by Royal Mail complaints that there is no problem. There is a very definite problem. Our community is desperate for someone to step in and look into this.”
Mr MacDonald has raised the issue with Royal Mail on several occasions, securing assurances that recruitment efforts are under way, with a target of alternate-day deliveries by mid-July and full service by August. But he warned that residents remain rightly sceptical.
“When postal workers are paid just £12.54 an hour, it’s no surprise that retention is a major issue, especially in an area where the cost of living can be 30-40% higher,” he said.
“Retention, and not recruitment, is part of the problem,” Mr MacDonald believes. To help address this, Mr MacDonald has proposed a rural wage uplift for postal workers in areas like Wester Ross, mirroring the scheme already in place for island communities.
“Our posties are deeply valued members of the community. A targeted wage uplift would support recruitment and retention, helping to future-proof postal services in rural areas.”
Mr MacDonald also criticised Royal Mail’s announcement that Saturday second-class deliveries are to be scrapped.
“This is another blow for rural areas and adds insult to injury,” he said. “It’s deeply disappointing that once again, rural needs are being overlooked.
“I will continue to press Royal Mail until a reliable, resilient service is restored in Wester Ross – and that the hardworking staff who deliver it are properly supported.”
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