Deirdre marks 30 years as postmistress at ‘Downreay’ post office
A rural Caithness post office that has been in the same family for more than 110 years is marking another milestone.
Deirdre Henderson followed in the footsteps of her father and grandfather as postmistress of the small Downreay branch.
Based in the settlement of Buldoo, the post office serves the local community at Dounreay, close to the former nuclear reactor test site, but has retained the unusual spelling over its 114-year history.
Now Deirdre is celebrating 30 years at the helm of the branch, which opens on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
She said: “Downreay Post Office hasn’t changed in appearance over the years. However, the nineties did see the arrival of technology – enter the computer – and I’m pleased to say it is still open for business serving the local community.”
Henry Henderson, known as the Bard O’ Reay, became the local postmaster in 1910. His son William then became postmaster in 1958 and was in that role for 36 years. Then Deirdre took over the reins – so the Henderson family has run the branch for 114 years.
Deirdre added: “Following the death of my grandad, the family received a letter of condolence from the Postmaster-General in London, Ernest Marples. My dad and mum, Will and Vena, were so honoured to be given this. The large, framed, letter hangs proudly on the wall of the small office.
“Pension day at the post office was something to look forward to, neighbours would purposely meet up. My dad’s generation had lived through so much change. It was great to listen to their stories as they reminisced. What characters they were.”
Downreay Post Office is based at Main Road, Downreay, Thurso and Deirdre has a cherished photo of her granny Maggie outside the branch, taken in 1933.
Post Office area manager Louise Duff said: “It is truly remarkable that Downreay Post Office has been run by the same family for well over a century. I want to sincerely thank Deirdre for running this branch for the past three decades – it is greatly appreciated by this rural community.”
