Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has welcomed the launch of an online map which shows pricing by postcode.

The new services will help residents of rural communities identify unfair delivery charges and find the best deals.

After entering a postcode, the website compares charges for a range of parcel sizes from six major companies. Users from around Scotland can also find which online UK retailers deliver to their area.

The free service launched today at www.fairdeliveries.scot is part of the Scottish Government’s ongoing action to make delivery charges more transparent.

Welcoming the new service, Alasdair Allan MSP said:

“The issue of unfair delivery charges is one that I have highlighted for years now. Residents of Na h-Eileanan an Iar face average surcharges of at least 25% compared to Glasgow and there is virtually no access to home delivery.

“I am regularly contacted by constituents who are frustrated by the disporportionate and irrational costs, sometimes concealed by vendors claiming free UK delivery. most smaller items cost the same to post to Beàrnaraigh as they do to Birmingham.

“This new tool by the Scottish Government will help people indentify unfair delivery charges and help to reduce the cost of living in rural areas.”