How to ensure Badenoch's Post Offices?
Concern is growing over the future of Badenoch’s Post Office services.
Postmaster Graeme Irvine has warned Newtonmore’s community council and business association: “I received correspondence last week from PO Ltd to state that the current programme where new operators would receive the PO in their premises free of charge plus a contribution towards costs would cease after 11 years.
“Any potential new operators would have to register their initial interest at www.runapostoffice.co.uk by June 30.
“I’d hoped the new Strathspey Pharmacy would take on the service but I haven’t heard from the owner since last April.
“I am keen to pursue other new business interests after running the service for 22 years.
“There’s a real likelihood that unless someone comes forward fairly soon Newtonmore shall be without a Post Office. As I am also the temporary postmaster of Kingussie PO and I’m uncertain if that service can continue once I resign my post at Newtonmore and the Laggan outreach service would also cease.
“It would be a real shame for the village to lose its PO service altogether as we are still busy enough, especially with banking transactions and home shopping parcels.
“It would be an advantage to other retailers in the village to increase turnover.”