Furious over high delivery surcharges

Sir,

At this time of year many people will be shopping online for presents for loved ones and friends.

As broadband continues to be rolled out across the Highlands and Islands, people want to take advantage of the choice and bargains offered online. I am a big supporter of supporting our local shops which should always be our first port of call but I know in many rural areas we can’t always find the goods we want locally.

So often when ordering goods, the sky high parcel delivery surcharges are completely shocking. So many companies charge consumers in the Highlands so much more than they charge consumers in the rest of the UK.

For instance, it’s outrageous that some retailers don’t include mainland Scotland in their definition of ‘mainland UK’, meaning we lose out on many retailers’ offers of free or low-cost delivery charges. Some of the delivery surcharges imposed on local homes and businesses I’ve heard about are staggering.

That’s why I am working with my MSP colleague Richard Lochhead, who has a campaign websitewww.f air delivery charges. scot where the public can support the call for action to stop retailers and courier companies who want our custom ripping us off.

I can also be contacted at kate.forbes. msp@ parliament. scot if anyone wishes to let me know about their experiences.