The owners of the world's oldest post office are stamping their mark on history as they celebrate its 300th anniversary.
The post office in Sanquhar, Dumfries and Galloway, first opened its doors in 1712, just five years after the unification of Scotland and England.
When it first opened, postmen, referred to as 'runners', ran between officers on foot using bases or 'cross posts' like the one in Sanquhar to pass on letters and parcels.
The post office has been operating continuously since 1712, eight years longer than its closest rival, in the Swedish capital Stockholm. The third oldest, in Santiago, Chile, opened a full 60 years after the office in Sanquhar.
In 1738 mail began being stamped by hand at the office's sorting office to the rear of the building.
Horses were later introduced, with some posts still in existence at the back of the building.
Penny and Richard Murphy, 55, took over as postmaster and mistress at the office seven months ago and are looking forward to marking the anniversary with a party in the summer.
They are also restoring the building to reveal some of its history.
Posted 03/17/2015 7:38 pm
