Stamp of approval for Fiona's 30 years at John O’Groats post office
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Fiona Harper has been honoured for her three decades at the helm of John O’Groats post office, continuing a family tradition that goes back more than 140 years.
The popular postmistress was presented with a 30-year long service award with thanks to her and three previous generations of the family for their commitment to their community.
In 1881, Fiona’s great-grandfather, George Manson, became postmaster for John O’Groats. Her grandfather, Hugh, then took over, followed by his wife, Fiona’s grandmother, Isabella.
Fiona’s father, Sandy, was the postmaster before her. He was a veteran of the Arctic convoys during World War II.
Fiona’s mother, Nellie Manson, still helps her to serve customers.
“I have been part of this community all of my life and I like to help people," Fiona said. "I personally know many of the people who come into the post office to be served, as well as tourists who want to send picture postcards of John O’Groats with a John O’Groats handstamp.
“We managed to stay open throughout the pandemic to maintain vital services, which was very important as people wanted to stay local and people also wanted to see friendly, familiar faces.
“It was busy with people wanting to send parcels to people that they could not see, arrange home-shopping returns, pay bills and do their banking on behalf of all the major high street banks – that is a crucial role as so many bank branches have closed.”
Post Office area manager Kerry Falconer said: “Fiona, like her father, grandfather, grandmother and great-grandfather, has loyally served the John O’Groats community for many years.
"Fiona is a popular postmistress who really cares about her community and has served this community for three decades.
"I want to thank her for following the family tradition of running John O’Groats post office for more than 140 years during peacetime, wartime and the pandemic.”
