Man moves from Florida to take over world’s oldest post office

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A man who was an “avid stamp collector” as a child has moved to Scotland from Florida with his wife to take over the world’s oldest post office. Mr Ford said: “It is amazing that I have gone from living in Florida for 20 years, where the history is mostly 19th to 20th century, to becoming the postmaster for the world’s oldest post office which dates back over 300-plus years. “I am also proud to be this post office’s 17th postmaster, which isn’t that many considering its long history.” The post office opened in 1712, eight years before the second oldest, Sweden, and is recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest one in operation. “Not only does it support the wider economy by attracting tourists from all over the world, but it continues to provide everyday essential banking and postal services that local residents, like anywhere else in the country, rely on.” The post office is a popular attraction for postal and philatelic enthusiasts from across the UK and the world, and many visit to have their letters marked with a special handstamp bearing “The World’s Oldest Post Office”.