An Historical Summary of the Post Office in Scotland

A chronological account traces the development of organized letter delivery in Scotland from medieval special messengers through municipal and royal arrangements, documenting the creation of regular posts, evolving postage rates, and administrative grants and patents that established postmasters and packet routes. It describes reforms under changing governments that improved speed and lowered costs, the setting of stages and foot-post and coach services, and practical challenges such as poor roads, waylaying of mails, and long transmission times, supported by examples drawn from official records.