FEW in Scotland's more remote and inaccessible communities have faith in government commitments that the Universal Service Obligation (USO) will survive, and know they will be the first to suffer it if goes.

This is true on the Knoydart Peninsula, where the 110-strong community depend on a ferry to and from Mallaig for their postal deliveries, and all other supplies.

Angela Williams, Development Manager for Knoydart Foundation which owns 17,000 acres of the old estate following the community buyout in 1999, said there was genuine concern.

"We get our post delivered at the same price as the centre of London but how long will that continue? We already suffer from pricing for courier deliveries which can be prohibitive. Just yesterday we were trying to order something at home which was supposed to be free delivery but as soon we gave our postcode we were told free delivery would cost something like £11 so we fear for the future."

David Cameron, chairman of Community Land Scotland, which represents the Foundation and community landowners across the Highlands and Islands including South Uist, Eigg and Assynt, is also concerned.

"I believe all political parties in Westminster and Holyrood should give an absolute commitment that they will not reduce the service."

Western Isles Council Leader Angus Campbell said: "The issue of privatisation of the Royal Mail is a very real threat to the islands' postal service and the principle of a USO. Together with colleagues in Shetland and Orkney we will be making representations to the Government on this issue."

Highland Council Leader Drew Hendry said: "Once you allow private forces in to something that belongs in the public sector, you are controlled by shareholders who are looking for a return which doesn't sit easily with the USO."

Caithness, Sutherland and Ross SNP MSP Rob Gibson also queried how a privatised royal Mail will benefit users.