Post offices around Scotland could be set to close, it has been claimed, with no assurances being given for rural areas in the country.

Members of the Scottish Affairs Committee have claimed many establishments "remain vulnerable" despite planned funding rises from the privatisation of Royal Mail.

While the company's universal service obligation commitment - which guarantees six-days-a-week delivery - is likely to stay intact, committee chairman Ian Davidson said other issues are "less clear".

He remarked: "Good intentions are all very well, but the lack of solidity in assurances regarding the postal network is worrying."

According to the BBC, Scotland has 12 per cent of the UK network of post offices, with 70 per cent of these in rural areas where subsidies keep them open.

Privatisation would see 90 per cent of Royal Mail opened up to outside investors, although Communication Workers' Union general secretary Billy Hayes told the Financial Times that the move could cause a "big rebellion" in the government. 

Author:  Paul Burn