A north-east village will lose its post office just before the new year.
The post office at Crimond will close on December 27 when one of only two shops in the village shuts its doors for the final time.
Scott’s Convenience Store, on Logie Avenue, is closing after more than a decade of trade.
Now the search has begun for a new home for the post office, and officials have moved to assure residents that the closure is “temporary”.
A spokesman from the Post Office said other premises were being explored in the hope of a postage service returning to the village in the new year.
Last night, local MSP Stewart Stevenson said the closure of Scott’s was “disappointing”.
“It is always disappointing when a Post Office closes but people’s circumstances do change and while the shop will also be a loss to the community, I wish the present owners well going forward,” he added.
“I am heartened that Post Office management see this as only a temporary closure and are keen to continue to provide a service to Crimond and the local community.
“I have written to Post Office management to underline the importance of a continued presence in Crimond and trust that an alternative which is convenient for the village can be found in the very near future.”
Local councillor Anne Allan added: “I am concerned that the people of Crimond are being left without at Post Office and I hope something can be done as quickly as possible to restore the service in an accessible location.”
Fellow ward councillor Dianne Beagrie added: “I’m disappointed that the post office and shop are both closing this will cause quite an issue for the residents of the village and nearby. I hope that some alternative can be arranged in the very near future.
“I will be making inquires on what is being look at.”