Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, has said she is pleased to see some potential movement on the ongoing matter surrounding the delivery of certain goods to Orkney.
The MSP was approached by a constituent who advised that Royal Mail refused to deliver what it considers “dangerous” products to Orkney. The “dangerous” items include spray paint, varnish and lithium batteries for use in laptops, tablets and hand held tools, amongst other items. The constituent had approached Royal Mail about the matter to no avail.
When she was contacted however, Mrs Grant thought the request was very timely as Royal Mail’s new Chief Executive had just been appointed and was charged with conducting a £1.8bn overhaul of Royal Mail by shifting its focus from letters to parcels so she set about raising the matter with the Chief Executive, Simon Thompson.
She said “The problem appeared to be that Royal Mail did not deliver “dangerous” items to Orkney because they fly goods in which means stricter laws. My constituent suggested to Royal Mail that they could either bring such items to Orkney by van themselves or by subcontracting the deliveries to other delivery firms.”
Having gone back and forth to Royal Mail over recent months, Mrs Grant has now received what she describes as a positive response from them which advises that as a business, they are always looking for opportunities to increase the range of goods that they carry and they will review options to carry these items. They also said that they are looking at the possibility of amending their services to the Scottish Islands.
Mrs Grant said “With online shopping and email fast replacing traditional mail deliveries, it seemed logical to me that Royal Mail were looking to overhaul the role of the organisation by shifting its focus from letters to parcels.
“The letter I received from them advises that as a business, they are always looking for opportunities to increase the range of goods that they carry and they will review options to carry these items.” She continued “They also said that they are looking at the possibility of amending their services to the Scottish Islands.
“This is potentially very good news for Orkney, and possibly other Scottish Islands, as it is well documented how many firms either refuse to deliver to the Highlands and Islands or charge exorbitant fees for doing so. Any progress on this will be welcomed and I have contacted Royal Mail again asking for an update on the position.” concluded Mrs Grant.