A major programme of post office branch closures is set to be announced in parts of Scotland.
A major programme of 44 local post office branch closures has been announced in parts of Scotland.
Unions fear that up to 44 branches could be earmarked for closure in west and central Scotland.
The Post Office wants to reduce the number of branches in Argyll and Bute by seven, Greater Glasgow by 27 and Central Scotland by 10.
It is believed 23 branches could close in Greater Glasgow. Long-term plans for post office provision in other parts of Scotland are due to be announced later.
Long-term plans for post office provision in other parts of Scotland are due to be announced next year.
The plans are part of a wider restructuring of post office services throughout the UK.
The plans are part of a wider restructuring of post office services throughout the UK.
Main branches or Crown offices are likely to be unaffected by the closure programme, as are those identified as having a high commercial value.
Raft of modernisation
The brunt of the cuts are expected to be borne by the rural network and branches close to other post offices.
The closure list for the Highlands is expected in January, the list for the Western and Northern Isles in March, and for the north-east, Tayside and Fife in April. Other areas will be announced in June and July next year.
The UK Government announced proposals to reduce the number of sub post offices in May and put forward a raft of modernisation plans to reduce the company's £4m weekly losses.
The consultation on the future of the first post office closures will remain open for six weeks until 3 December.
It will see the closure of up to 2,500 branches across the UK.
The first closures are expected to take place in February 2008 with all changes expected to be completed by the end of that year.
There are 308 Post Office branches in Greater Glasgow, Central Scotland and Argyll & Bute.
The Post Office claimed that under the area plan proposals 99.9% of the population would either see no change to their nearest branch or will remain within one mile of an alternative branch.
The plan includes proposed "outreach" services in three communities in rural Stirlingshire - Buchlyvie, Thornhill and Gargunnock.
Possible types of outreach service could include a mobile service, a restricted hours service or a partner agreement within the premises of a local shop.
Post Office Ltd's Network Development Manager for Scotland, Sally Buchanan, said: "Taking the decision to close any Post Office branch is always very difficult and we know will cause concern to many of our customers.
"We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on or has any concern with Post Office services is both fully aware of the changes we are proposing to meet UK Government requirements, and able to give views on how accessible services will be in the future."
Branches earmarked for closure are:
Argyll & Bute
East Princes Street, The Post Office, East Princes Street, Helensburgh
Gallowgate, Gallowgate, Rothesay
High Street, The Post Office, High Street, Campbeltown
