A watchdog which represents consumers' interests across Scotland claims that at least one-third of Scots have difficulty collecting parcels because of inconvenient opening times at their nearest local delivery office.

Consumer Focus Scotland says people in some rural areas also have to pay high premiums to get any delivery service at all, as some companies refuse to make the trek to deliver goods.

People questioned for a survey on the quality of their postal services said they wanted more collection points to be provided, with some favouring the idea of collection lockers at locations such as supermarkets, railway or petrol stations.

Trisha McAuley, deputy director of Consumer Focus Scotland, said: "Online shopping often offers greater choice, convenience and value for money.

"But the downside for many people, especially in rural areas, is that having found the best deal and ordered online, the parcel then costs a packet or they have trouble receiving it."

The watchdog says more flexibility is needed from online retailers and delivery service providers, and is calling for customers to always be offered Royal Mail's standard parcel delivery service, which reaches all addresses in Scotland for a single tariff.