“Island communities in Scotland rely heavily on postal services for access to essential goods, services, and economic participation. Despite this reliance, residents and small businesses in Na h Eileanan an Iar, Orkney, and Shetland have some of the most fragile postal services in the UK.” – An equitable postal service for the islands
Highlands & Islands SNP MSP Maree Todd has written to the UK Government calling for action to address unfair parcel delivery charges and postal service issues affecting people and businesses across the Highlands and Islands.
The call follows the publication of a report by Consumer Scotland in July 2026, which highlighted persistent inequalities in postal and parcel services across Scotland’s islands. The report found that many island residents continue to face excessive delivery charges, delivery refusals and poorer consumer protections than those available elsewhere in the UK.
Participants in the research reported that many retailers advertising “UK-wide delivery” either refused to deliver to island addresses or imposed significant surcharges at the checkout stage. Consumers also reported facing a fragmented consumer journey through the use of local couriers with unclear consumer protection and information.
The report also found that delivery surcharges to Scotland’s islands commonly range from £10-£20, with charges of £50 or more reported for larger items or more complex deliveries.
Commenting Maree Todd MSP said:
“For too long, my constituents have been facing inflated delivery charges, delivery refusals and being forced to navigate a confusing and fragmented system that would not be tolerated elsewhere in the UK
“The UK Government has the powers needed to address these issues, yet Ministers have repeatedly hidden behind existing consumer protection measures rather than taking action.”
A previous survey conducted by Consumer Scotland found that 18% of adults in Scotland experience surcharges, with the rate in the Highlands & Islands sitting at the significantly higher rate of 72%.
Maree Todd MSP added:
“I have written to the UK Government to ask whether Ministers consider the findings set out in Consumer Scotland’s report to be acceptable, and to urge them to give this issue the attention it deserves.
“While the report focuses on Scotland’s island communities, many of my constituents across the Highlands will recognise these experiences all too well.
“I’m keen to hear my constituents’ experiences, across the Highlands & Islands, on this issue. If you have faced unfair delivery charges, or have concerns relating to postal and courier services, please get in touch.”
Contact details:
Email: maree.todd.msp@parliament.scot
Tel: 01349 888281