Mr Fraser said rural areas cannot afford to lose their post office

Deputy Scottish Conservative leader Murdo Fraser said it would help protect them from closure.

The rural network is expected to bear the brunt of 2,500 planned branch cuts across the UK.

Mr Fraser has called on the Scottish Executive to take "real action" to save post offices in rural areas.

He was told by Finance Secretary John Swinney that the Scottish government would do "all it can" within its devolved powers " to support a sustainable rural post office network".

However, the Mid Scotland and Fife MSP criticised ministers for having "no concrete plans" in place.

Many towns and villages in Perthshire and Angus cannot afford to lose their post office. Murdo Fraser Deputy Scottish Tory leader

Mr Fraser said: "We must see real action taken to help our rural post office network otherwise we will see the demise of an important part of the rural community.

"Many towns and villages in Perthshire and Angus cannot afford to lose their post office and many local residents will be severely disadvantaged by the loss."

Mr Fraser suggested rural post offices could be more viable if they were able to offer a new range of services, such as private mail and council advice.

He said: "It would benefit post offices if local councils provide services through the post office network to better engage with local residents.

"There is great scope for many post offices as a 'Council Counter' to offer these kinds of services.

"Trained staff in post offices could then advise on a range of matters, including tax returns, pension entitlements, the opening hours of local pharmacies, how to apply for a disabled parking badge and the like."