McArthur reacts to reports of Kirkwall Post Office closure

Responding to reports that Kirkwall’s Post Office has been closed until further notice, Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has expressed his astonishment at the lack of any consultation with the local community, and the loss of essential services for islanders.   

The closure came into effect from this afternoon (Monday 21 September), when a notice was put in the window stating “UOE and Post Office have made the decision to close this branch until further notice.   

“If you have parcels, currency, etc. to collect, please contact Post Office directly.”  

Universal Office Equipment (UOE) took over operation of the branch last autumn. 

Mr McArthur said:   

“This is deeply concerning news. The Kirkwall Post Office is a valued community hub which provides essential services.   

“If reports are true, the lack of any kind of notice or consultation with the community is completely unacceptable, and flies in the face of assurances provided by Post Office leadership about the manner in which the future of the branch would be handled.   

“Beyond that, however, a sudden loss of essential services on this scale will have a serious impact on islanders. Clarity on what happens next is urgently needed, and islanders and island businesses cannot be left to piece together arrangements for themselves.   

“Alistair Carmichael and I will be demanding answers from the Post Office and Universal Office Equipment as a matter of urgency.”