Stornoway Post Office among 115 threatened with closure
Stornoway’s Post Office is one of 115 branches placed under threat of closure as part of fresh cost-cutting measures.
The Post Office says cuts need to be made because of the loss-making of its directly-managed branches (DMBs) - the only ones it still owns. The organisation is looking to retail partners or postmasters to take them on, but if they cannot find a buyer, they will close.
According to new Post Office chairman Nigel Railton these plans will see £250million more per year for postmasters by 2030.
Francis Street is the only office in Stornoway’s town centre that offers a full range of postal services. There are two business that offer limited facilities - at Cearns and Newton on the outskirts of Stornoway.
Councillor Paul Steele, leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, says he hopes closure can be averted.
He added: “The public already face challenges in sending and receiving parcels to the mainland. Any move that would add to this disadvantage should, of course, be avoided.
"While the post office offers online alternatives, it is important we safeguard services for those whose first choice is to visit a shop.
“The Stornoway Post Office branch has provided employment for local professionals for years. I am concerned the closure of this branch would see the loss of jobs."
Alasdair Allan, MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, added: "Businesses and individuals across Stornoway and the Isle of Lewis will be worried about the prosect of the Crown Post Office closing its doors.
"With bank branches disappearing and more services either centralising or moving online, the Crown Post Office, with a full range of services, has become a lifeline for the community."
The MSP has written to the Post Office’s chief executive officer and the minister for services, small business and exports to seek reassurances for postal workers and locals that the full range of services offered by the Crown Post Office will continue.
Nine of the 115 branches facing closure are in Scotland, with Stornoway the only one on the West Coast.
A Post Office spokesperson said: “We are considering a range of options to reduce our central costs. This includes considering the future of our remaining directly managed branches, which are loss-making.
"We have long held a publicly-stated ambition to move to a fully-franchised network and we are in dialogue with the unions about future options for the DMBs.”
Latest News
JOBS
Course Administrator, Loch Eil Outward Bound Centre. - The Outward Bound Trust
Sign up to our daily Newsletter
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
You may also like
Oban Times Letters to the Editor - 13.3.25
Buzz about a post box
Oban Times letter: March 13
Thought for the Week
Latest News
JOBS
Course Administrator, Loch Eil Outward Bound Centre. - The Outward Bound Trust
Sign up to our daily Newsletters
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
© 2025 Wyvex Media Limited.