Dingwall Post Office hailed for delivering above and beyond during coronavirus crisis
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A BUSINESS at the heart of Ross-shire's county town has been hailed for helping hundreds of people get through the coronavirus crisis in the biggest challenge since wartime.
Dingwall Post Office, which operates from within the High Street Spar store, has remained open since lockdown and typified the resilience shown by volunteers and key workers across Ross-shire.
Its efforts during the Covid-19 lockdown have seen it nominated for a community engagement accolade in the Post Office's We're Stronger Together awards.
They recognise the efforts of postmasters to keep branches open, in some cases offering a lifeline to the most vulnerable members of the community.
The work of Alicen Lawrie, who runs Dingwall Post Office, was highlighted by Post Office chief executive Nick Read who said: "I have heard many inspiring stories of postmasters going the extra mile and I have welcomed the opportunity to hear first-hand how postmasters in Scotland have fared during the pandemic, including Dingwall.
"All retailers have been affected and Post Office was no exception. The next few weeks and months will be a critical period as we try and return to a sense of normality. Post Office branches have a vital role to play in supporting their customers and communities, as well as helping small businesses and independent retailers get back on their feet."
Post Office area manager, Sally Wilson, said: "Dingwall Post Office been nominated for the community engagement award for their efforts in the local primary school to introduce some virtual education for home schooling that is relevant to the local community.
"They have also set up direct electricity top-ups, donated food to local food swaps, and delivered groceries to over 80 households a week.Alicen and her team have shown dedication, hard work and a sense of responsibility, to do everything that they could in this difficult time."
The Dingwall Spar, run by her partner Barry Wilson, was amongst the first to organise free home deliveries at the height of the pandemic, a gesture appreciated by hundreds of people during a period of major uncertainty.
Dingwall and Seaforth councillor Alister Mackinnon said:"I have heard nothing but positive comments regarding the Spar and Post Office in going the extra mile in helping vulnerable people. It has shown the resilience Ross-shire has shown during the crisis."
Ms Lawrie was modest about the nomination. She said: "We've managed to stay open through the whole thing. Our customers seem happy with what we are doing and I think some have given feedback to the Post Office, which is nice. I know some of our customers would love us to continue our deliveries."
She said: "Some won't have seen anyone from one end of the week to the next as they are staying inside so its nice to be able to help."
She has already detected business getting brisker and said she appreciated the loyalty of customers and welcomed staff returning from furlough.
Of her hook-up with the local primary school she said: "We did a wee video for one of the primary school classes aboutour work for one of my friends who is a teacher. Later a couple of kids who were in said: 'That's her from the film!'"
She said: "It is nice to be recognised. Everybody is putting in a hard shift together."
Related: Dingwall business issues social distancing appeal
