Struan wildfire brought under control

Fire crews tackled a wildfire near Struan over the weekend, during a period of “extreme” wildfire risk across parts of Scotland.

The grass fire broke out at around 14:30 on Saturday and was brought under control within two hours. Three crews attended the scene.

The warning, which covered western areas of Scotland, remained in place until midnight on Sunday.

The Struan incident was one of several fires reported across the country.

No injuries have been reported in any of the incidents.

Photo – Simon Finch

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service had urged people to take extra care during the heightened risk period, warning that dry conditions can allow fires to spread quickly.

Firefighters say Scotland is facing a growing threat from wildfires, particularly in spring when dead vegetation can easily ignite. Last year was the worst on record for wildfires, and crews warn the risk to rural communities is increasing.

The statement from the company, which is responsible for the operations of post office counters business and services, follows on from the temporary closure of the Skye capital service last week.

The current postmaster first announced on Wednesday 8th that the Portree Post Office would be closed as a safety precaution due to ill health and would reopen on Friday 10th February.

However, in a social media post published on Thursday 9th February they confirmed that the service would remain closed while a relief postmaster was being sought.

Radio Skye contacted Skye MP Ian Blackford about the matter on Friday 10th February

Today (Tuesday 14th February) Mr Blackford’s office shared a statement concerning the closure with Radio Skye from Post Office Counters Limited.

Responding to the closure, a spokesperson for Post Office Counters Limited said: “We understand how important Post Office services are to communities and I’m sincerely sorry for the inconvenience and concern caused by the closure, especially to those customers who must travel further to access the services they require, whilst the branch is closed.

“Regretfully, Portree Post Office had to close for operational reasons beyond our control. I can assure you that we want to restore service to the area as quickly as possible and we’re working closely with the postmaster and the landlord of the property, to enable the branch to reopen.”

The added that they were “currently exploring the option of reopening Portree Post Office with a temporary postmaster” but stressed that it may prove difficult due to the “remote location of the branch.”

The spokesperson concluded by saying that they hoped Mr Blackford was reassured that they were taking the matter seriously.

And added that they would “of course update stakeholders and the community as the situation progresses, and as soon as we have a confirmed proposal to restore service.”

The spokesperson recommended that customers could continue to access the service they require at an alternative branch, the nearest being Struan Post Office (Struanmore, Struan, Isle of Skye, Highland, IV56 8FG).

The Struan post office operates from 10 am to 12.30pm every day except Sunday.

The Post Office in Uig, based in Rankins Supermarket, meanwhile, is open from 9am to 1pm every day except Sunday, while the Carbost Post Office is open from 9am -12pm on all weekdays except Wednesday.

Customers who use the Portree Post Office for electricity tops should contact their energy provider for advice.

Article by Adam Gordon