Scottish Conservative politicians have praised the ‘remarkable’ efforts of Errol residents who are set to retire from running the village Post Office for 37 years.
Councillor Angus Forbes, who represents the Carse of Gowrie ward, and Murdo Fraser MSP were reacting to the announcement that Mr Ken Barnett and his wife, Marion, will retire, with the post office permanently closing its doors on August 24.
This follows the three-floor building being put up for sale in August 2022.
Commenting, Councillor Forbes said: “Marion and Ken have given remarkable service to the local community by running the local post office for this length of time. We would like to thank them for their community service of over 35 years, which is fantastic.
“Mr Fraser and I were very surprised to learn that they had not had a holiday together for 35 years due to running the post office. We both hope that they have many happy holidays together now.
“We hope that another Post Office outlet can be secured in Errol, especially with the village having had one there for such a long time.”
And Mr Fraser added: “Marion and Ken’s story is one of pure community dedication and is a lesson to us all. Marion told us she had worked 75 hours a week, seven days a week. She began her day at 5.30am and finished at 5.30pm. They both deserve to now put their feet up.”
The Post Office is said to be considering a number of options for a replacement post office to be set up in the Carse of Gowrie, along with the mobile Post Office visiting some communities there.
