Tributes paid to village postmaster of 60 years

Henderson Shaw was "the heart of the village" of Kelloholm for nearly 60 years

Tributes have been paid to a postmaster in a south of Scotland village who has died after nearly 60 years of service.

Henderson Shaw, 83, took on the running of the post office in Kelloholm in Dumfries and Galloway in February 1966 when it was part of his mother's homeware and gift shop.

He was still working as postmaster until he took unwell in October this year, forcing him to close the shop. He was admitted to hospital but died a few days later.

His daughters, Jane Knox and Catherine Nivison, said: "Dad would say that he still enjoyed serving his customers as much now as when he first took on Kelloholm Post Office. This was a view that he held until the end."

Henderson's daughters said his family had inherited his work ethic

Henderson worked alongside his mother, Mary, who concentrated on the retail side of the shop, with his father, Andrew, also choosing to work in the shop following his retirement from his day job.

Later on in life, he ran the post office and shop on his own.

"Dad really did like to work," his daughters said.

"He's definitely passed his great work ethic on to his family – we all work hard."

Henderson's funeral was held on 31 October and was attended by locals, customers and postal workers.

Regional manager for the Post Office, Craig Black, paid tribute to him.

He said: "He was at the heart of this village for very nearly 60 years, which is incredible.

"He really enjoyed his work which is very heartening.

"His customers held Henderson in very high regard, and they used to love their chats with him.

"We want to sincerely thank Henderson for all that he did for his community for very close to six decades."

The Post Office said Kelloholm Post Office has been temporarily closed following Henderson's death, with the nearest alternative branches in Kirkconnel and Sanquhar.