Musuem plan for historic post office

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.cumnockchronicle.com/news/ro ... st-office/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?

A STAMP collector who also studies the history of all things postal is taking over behind the counter of the world’s oldest post office in Sanquhar.

Dr Mansoor Alam will take over from Penny Murphy, believed to be the first postmistress in the 302-year history of the post office in the town’s High Street.

Having been in continuous service since 1712, it was originally a staging post for mail carriages, owned by Abraham Crichton, with the old stables behind the branch thought to have once provided a resting place for horses drawing the mail carriages.

With its place in history, Dr Alam is keen to introduce a visitor attraction to the area, as well as providing the usual day-to-day post office products and services.

He said: “The site is also a key part of Scotland’s postal history. My ambition is to promote the rich heritage of the past by establishing a postal museum – the only one in Scotland — and combining it with a modern business, securing this wonderful post office for future generations.

“I also have plans to set up a philatelic society in Sanquhar.”

Sanquhar is recognised by the Universal Postal Union, governing body for worldwide postal administrations, and the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest post office in the World.

It is almost as old as the 1707 union between Scotland and England and is eight years older than its closest rival, in the Swedish capital Stockholm.

Outgoing incumbent Mrs Murphy said: “My husband Richard and I have loved our time in Sanquhar and have made many friends.

“We would like to thank all our customers for their loyalty, and are sure that Manzoor, the new owner of Sanquhar Post Office, will be made equally welcome when he takes over.”

A programme of improvements will coincide with the takeover, which is scheduled to happen in the New Year, including an open plan till at the counter and extended opening hours, to include Saturday afternoons.

Suzanne Richardson, Regional Network Manager for Scotland and the North of England, said: “We were looking for someone very special to replace Penny Murphy and take on the post office in Sanquhar.

“The branch combines a rich postal history with today’s wide range of post office services, and we are delighted to announce that Dr Alam has purchased the post office and been appointed as the new postmaster.”