I think it’s fair to say that Royal Mail’s cost-cutting measures have left a trail of devastation throughout the Highlands. I won’t detail the tale of woe. Suffice it to say that a year ago there were three Post Offices here; now there is one and it is entirely unsuitable. It’s in a greeting-card-and-scented-candle shop. Two large shelving systems cut the space to a point where social distancing is impossible. Coronavirus would kill my husband and probably me as well. I can’t use that Post Office.

There is another Post Office a few miles away that I have used in the past. It’s a little general store – far from perfect but only two people are allowed in at a time. I am considering that I might use that Post Office. I’m not setting a date when I will return to sales but I believe that it is in sight. When I do, I will only send two packages at a time to minimise the time I spend there. I have reserved pens for customers during the lockdown and those will be the first to be sent.

At first I will only be sending to UK addresses. The last pen I sent out on 24th March, to a USA address, has yet to be delivered. When I try to access USPS tracking the site is always unavailable. I need to know that pens will be delivered promptly and that is not yet the case.

I have some more pens to upload to the sales site – all Mabie Todd – and I will get that done as soon as I can. In the meantime I beg your patience as I try to get under way again. I will continue to reserve requested pens.