THE Scottish Grocers' Federation (SGF) has welcomed the announcement made by the Scottish government's finance secretary, John Swinney, during Stage 3 of the Scottish Government Budget on a post office diversification scheme
John Drummond, chief executive of SGF, said: “In many rural and remote locations closure of the post office often leads to the loss of the local shop which has often become the community hub. Any moves to safeguard and boost the network are therefore particularly welcome.”

The scheme, worth £1m, is likely to take the form of grant aid to rural sub-postmasters and mistresses who wish to use their premises to offer other services to their communities.
It came about as part of the government’s horse trading to have its budget passed by parliament. The Liberal Democrats offered their support if a number of its measures were included in the budget, the post office scheme being one of them.
Describing the funding as a boost for local services in hard economic times, Argyll and Bute MSP Jim Mather said: “This announcement shows that the SNP is focused on protecting important frontline public services in these troubled economic times – even those controlled and often threatened by Westminster.
“£1 million is a substantial amount to help local post offices survive and offer additional activities in Scotland. Yet it is something Labour's MSPs voted against in the Scottish parliament vote.
“It is a significant investment from the SNP government at a time of difficult decisions being made by this government and parliament. While Labour have spent the last few years in government closing post offices the SNP is working hard to keep them open and keep them profitable.”
Alan Reid, Liberal Democrat MP for Argyll and Bute said: “I welcome the £1 million post office diversification fund. Sub postmasters and postmistresses will be able to access this fund to expand and diversify their businesses. I know from talking to sub-postmasters and postmistresses throughout Argyll and Bute, that they are keen to expand their businesses, but have experienced difficulties accessing the cash to enable them to so.
“The Lib Dem MSPs extracted this £1 million from the Scottish government during negotiations on the Scottish Budget. This fund will help many rural post offices to survive the recession.”

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