Badenoch postmaster warns time is running out

The man running Newtonmore’s Post Office has warned that there is just a month for his successor to apply for the job.

Graeme Irvine posted yesterday: “Ok, it’s June 1st so a wee reminder/update regards the future of Newtonmore PO. “Unless someone comes forward and starts an application to become Postmaster by the end of the month, I will be handing in my resignation.”

After long service to the community he has repeatedly reminded his customers that he was intending to step down and has taken the opportunity this week to make the point very directly on social media.

He advised: “The shop and PO won’t close immediately but the process shall start.

“If someone takes it on – either in new or existing premises – the proposed income is £16,000 per year.

“If you had space to accommodate the postmen and agreed a deal with Royal Mail you could almost double that.

“Even the £16,000 would pay a decent hourly rate for 20 hours a week.”

He added: “The new postmaster could then decide if that member of staff does solely post office tasks or it is incorporated into other work tasks.”

He stressed: “I’m more than happy to help any new postmaster.

“As I’m the postmaster for Laggan and Kingussie there is no guarantee their PO provision shall continue if Newtonmore closes.

“Yes, you might get a PO for a few hours a week in the hall if PO can find someone to do it, but is that the sort of PO service you want the village to have going forward?”

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