Far North MSP and MP urge action following shock closure of Tain Post Office

Residents of Tain were dealt a huge blow last week following the unplanned closure of the town’s post office following the resignation of the postmaster.

The post office closed its doors last Tuesday [November 3] but confirmation of the closure only arrived today,

The service had moved into a phone and vape shop on Lamington Street last year in a move that proved to be hugely contentious for many locals.

Now the nearest post office is in Balintore opening from 09.30-13.00 Monday to Friday while Dornoch Post Office is open on the same days between 09.00 and 17.30.

That leaves the town without any banking facilities at all after the closures in recent years of both the Bank of Scotland and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Those bank closure occurred with the banks arguing that customers wishing to conduct cash transactions – like depositing takings - could use the Post Office

The Post Office admitted and apologised that it was late in confirming the closure and informing the public, contrary to its Principles of Community Engagement.

It said: “We are writing to inform you that, regrettably, following the resignation of the postmaster, the above branch closed on Tuesday 03 November 2026. Please accept my apologies for the late notification on this occasion.

“We are working hard to keep any period of closure to a minimum and we are currently investigating the options available which will enable us to reinstate a Post Office service to the local community.”

David Green, MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said:

“This is a huge blow for Tain, particularly as we approach the busiest time of the year. Post offices are not just post boxes, they are the heartbeat of towns, providing businesses and residents with a number of financial services.

“Jamie Stone warned five years ago about an epidemic of post office closures in rural Scotland, and the impact that the loss of face-to-face interaction will have on many customers who need to speak to someone in person. It is bitterly disappointing that we are continuing to lose them.

“While on this occasion it is clear that the closure was down to the resignation of the Postmaster, local may well ask had the original standalone Post Office been retained, rather than moving it into a phone and vape shop then would we be where we are now.

“On that basis, I am urging the UK and Scottish Governments to work together to ensure that the Post Office my constituents do not continue to bear the brunt of decisions that undermine vital local services.”

Jamie Stone, MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross said:

“I am deeply disappointed to hear of the sudden closure of Tain Post Office, which will come as a real blow to residents and local businesses who rely on this vital service.

“I have long warned about the damaging impact of post office closures on rural communities, particularly in areas where alternative services are few and far between.

“Post offices provide far more than postal services; they are an essential lifeline for many people, offering access to cash, banking facilities and face-to-face support.

“I have reached out to the Post Office team to seek an urgent update on the situation in Tain, and to discuss what options are being explored to restore the service.

“Tain deserves a reliable, accessible Post Office service, and I will be doing all I can to ensure that the needs of local residents and businesses are heard.”