Post Office operators across Dumbarton have been urged by a local MSP to share their experiences of working with the Post Office, providing crucial evidence for the inquiry into the Horizon scandal.

The independent public inquiry is investigating faults of the Horizon IT system that led to the wrongful prosecution and conviction of sub-postmasters.

As many as 16,000 individuals throughout the UK have been contacted by independent research and data analytics firm YouGov, on behalf of the inquiry, to anonymously offer their experiences.

Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, said: "The Horizon scandal has touched communities in Scotland and across the UK, and the impact continues to be felt today.

"I encourage anyone in my constituency who has received these surveys to share their experiences and contribute to this important research."

Every current sub-postmaster in the UK will be asked about their experience working with the Post Office and applicants under the Post Office’s in-house compensation scheme (the Horizon Shortfall Scheme) will be asked about their experiences of this process.

These findings will be used as evidence in the Inquiry’s final stage, Phase 7, and will inform Inquiry chair, Sir Wyn Williams' findings and recommendations.

UK Parliament data published earlier this year show that as of March 2023, Scotland housed 1,316 post offices, the majority of which are owned by sub-postmasters who will receive this survey.

Sir Wyn Williams said: “Human stories are at the heart of this inquiry.

"As will be obvious by now, and as I have said from time to time, I have been deeply affected by the accounts of hardship and suffering endured by many.

“I urge all those who are contacted to complete the surveys, and I offer my heartfelt thanks now to all those who take the time and trouble to do so.”

Those eligible for the surveys have been contacted via email, offering an option to respond online or over the phone.