The Scottish Government recognises the valuable social role of post offices, particularly in deprived and remote areas of Scotland, and although post offices and postal services are a matter wholly reserved to the UK Government, Scottish ministers therefore continue to play an active role in seeking the best outcomes within the current closure programme. Since the announcement of the post office network closure programme last May, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth has maintained an active discussion with Post Office Ltd to ensure that their restructuring programme promotes transparency and open discussion of the issues with key stakeholders.