Mr Weir had received the petition from Mary, Dowager Countess of Strathmore and Bill Dougan of Glamis Community Council on the Monday.

Commenting Mr Weir said that the local community had done everything possible to ensure the survival of the local Post Office.

"The campaign to save the Glamis Post Office has been a striking example of the commitment and determination of a local community to save its services, and has been extensively covered throughout the media both locally and nationally.

"The public meetings were very well attended and, I am sure, the Post Office and Postwatch will have been inundated with letters of complaint from the local community and business."

"The points put forward in support of the Post Office seem to me to be overwhelming but it is frustrating that the final decision lies with Post Office Limited and we cannot be sure what factors will weigh in their deliberations."

"The public consultation period closes on July 8 and I understand that Post Office Limited will make their decisions public at the end of the month."