Unfair delivery rates

SHETLAND MSP Tavish Scott has called for an accreditation scheme for online retailers who offer a choice of delivery rates.

The Liberal Democrat said one islander had been charged £8 postage for a computer memory stick that weighed just 25 grammes.

Scott said he was becoming increasingly concerned about inflated delivery charges that online and catalogue shoppers were forced to pay.

“Recently I have been told about a 25g memory stick incurring an £8 postage charge to the isles when it was delivered free to mainland Scotland,” he said.

“This is just unacceptable when there is still a universal postage service which will deliver to any UK address for a standard price – about £1.40 in this instance.”

He said he had formally requested a scheme that promoted “island friendly online retailers”, who offered the choice of a courier or the Royal Mail.

“I feel this would make it easier for Shetland’s online customers to purchase their Christmas gifts and other items from these preferred sites, saving them money.”

Scott added that he would always encourage Shetlanders to support local shops to eliminate the need for delivery charges altogether.

Research carried out by watchdog body Consumer Focus Scotland this year found that people in rural areas paid higher prices for a poorer service from delivery firms.

On Friday the Scottish government held a “parcel summit” in Inverness, chaired by enterprise minister Fergus Ewing, bringing together leading retail and delivery firms.