It had been proposed to shut 18 branches across the region

It had been proposed to shut 18 branches, but Pultneytown in Wick will remain open. The closures are scheduled to begin next month.

Outreach post offices have been proposed to replace 11 other branches.

Highland Council described the decision as "extremely disappointing" and a local MP is seeking a House of Commons debate on the closures.

Post Office Ltd said there were no plans for any further closures in the Highlands.

During six weeks of public consultation, it received about 1,500 responses and attended 12 meetings with customers and their representatives.

These are difficult decisions which have not been taken lightly Sally Buchanan Post Office Ltd

Sally Buchanan, network development manager for Scotland, said comments made during the process were considered carefully.

She said: "These are difficult decisions which have not been taken lightly.

"We believe that the amended plan announced today offers our customers across the Highlands of Scotland the best prospect for a sustainable network in the future, bearing in mind the UK Government's minimum access criteria and the other factors they have asked us to consider."

The 17 to close are: Harbour Street, Kingsmills Road, both Inverness, Abriachan, Spittal, Barrock, Saltburn, Breakish, Contin, Duncanstown, Earlish, Killearnan, Maryburgh, Onich, Rosemarkie, Treslaig, Waternish and West End, Dingwall.

The outreach services - some of which involve a mobile post office - are proposed for Kirkhill, Kessock, Edderton, Kildary, Croy, Ardesier, Farr, Latheron, Mid Clyth, Canisbay and Cawdor.

Liberal Democrat MP, Danny Alexander, is to seek a Commons debate on what he called "this betrayal by government".

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Peter Peacock said he was pleased Pultneytown had been saved.

He added: "I appreciate the impact the closures elsewhere will have on local communities, particularly for the elderly."

Fergus Ewing, MSP for Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber described the consultation process as "more cosmetic than real".