Almost 300 jobs at risk as parcel firm to shut down

Almost 300 jobs are at risk across the north of Scotland after a major parcel firm confirmed it will shut down.

Menzies Parcels told staff in a letter it will cease operations next month, citing "significant losses".

The company employs about 270 people and provides courier services across the Highlands, islands, Argyll and Aberdeenshire.

It has 15 depots across Scotland - including Inverness, Fort William and Oban.

In the letter, the company said: “The business has been incurring significant losses over the last two years and, having exhausted all other options, has come to the disappointing conclusion that it is no longer sustainable in its current form."

It said the last day of business for the delivery company would be 29 February.

Last month, parent company Menzies Distribution announced it was pulling out of operations on Scotland’s northern isles.

This move saw Streamline Shipping Group take over Menzies' transport and warehouse operations in Shetland and Orkney.

Trade union Unite said: “Unite is actively engaging with our members across Scotland affected by Menzies Parcels’ decision to make workers redundant."

Menzies Distribution has been approached for comment.