New research shows extra delivery charges cost Scots £44.8 million

People in Ross-shire and elsewhere in Scotland paid an additional £44.8 million in parcel delivery surcharges, according to new research.

The information revealed by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Spice) shows the most affected areas are the north and north-east of the country.

Caithness, Sutherland and Ross had the third highest figure at £6.9 million while Inverness and Nairn was at £8.4 million but top of the list was Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch at £9.06 million.

Advice Direct Scotland, which runs Scotland’s national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot, has an online form for people to report unfair delivery charges, with information passed on to the relevant authorities for further investigation.

Its head of operations, Marjorie Gibson, said: "This highlights the unfair treatment faced by many Scots living in remote and rural areas.

"We encourage Scots to report instances to us where they believe they have been unfairly treated, and we can collate and pass on the information.

"Too many people living in remote and rural areas find online bargains have hidden charges or small-print delivery information that can be missed when making a purchase.

"When shopping online, always check for delivery charges first.

"We have been working closely with the Scottish Government and Highland Council in particular to deliver fairer deals for all online shoppers."

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