World’s oldest post office, in Scotland, faces jeopardy after failure to find new owner

Concerns are growing for the future of the world's oldest post office - as a new owner has not been found.

Sanquhar Post Office, in Sanquhar, Dumfries and Galloway, opened in 1712 and is recognised by Guinness World Records as the first post office in the world.

The 308-year-old Post Office is a popular visitor attraction in the village and a 'lifeline' for elderly people in the community who depend on it for banking.

But it could soon be lost as it's elderly owners, Dr Manzoor Alam and his wife Nazra, have been unable to find a buyer for the eighteenth century premises.

Last November the couple, who bought the businesses in 2015, announced their plans to retire, and hoped a new owner could be found to keep it open.

They had planned to step down at the end of May but have now called on politicians to help them safeguard the businesses.

It is understood the couple have agreed to stay on until a new postmaster is found.

David Mundell, MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale has called on Alok Sharma, the business secretary, to intervene.

In the House of Commons last week, Mr Mundell said: "Will the Secretary of State confirm that, along with the Post Office, he'll take every opportunity to keep the post office on that site?"

Mr Sharma replied: "I recognise the historic significance and the role of the post office in Sanquhar, and I thank all the staff who have kept it running over the years, particularly most recently through the COVID pandemic.

"I very much hope that a long-term future for that post office can be secured."

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