A Perthshire Post Office branch has become the heart of its community during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Methven unit has acted as a base for volunteers who stepped up to care for villagers who were self-isolating or shielding with a free grocery and parcel pick-up and delivery service.
Postmaster Catherine Scott said staff and locals had worked to ensure people who needed additional support received it.
She said: “This took a bit of organising as it’s something I’d never done before.
“A fab bunch of volunteers came forward to assist with deliveries. This meant we could also check that folk were okay.
“My paper deliveries doubled and my paper boys and girls just got on with it. They happily chatted to those self-isolating to ensure they were okay.”
Sarah Ferguson of Methven Community Council dropped leaflets off to elderly and vulnerable people with details of a dedicated person they could contact for assistance.
An hour each morning was also dedicated to vulnerable and elderly people and key workers.
Ms Scott said the community spirit had worked both ways. One customer brought the team a regular supply of anti-bacterial spray and others made face masks and hair bands for staff.
While many shops and businesses have suffered due to the economic impact of coronavirus, the Post Office has been busier than ever, filling 15 to 20 mailbags a day, compared to the usual five to seven before lockdown.
Ms Scott said villagers were shopping local rather than travelling to bigger towns for groceries, sending parcels to family and friends they cannot see in person and returning online purchases.
She said: “It has been an extremely stressful and busy time. However, our villagers have remained safe and the community spirit has been amazing.
“It’s lovely to start to see our elderly and vulnerable customers again and being able to chat and help restore their confidence at this time.”
