ROYAL Mail has launched it latest drone delivery trial for getting post to and from remote communities.
Argyll and Bute is playing host to the test, which is being carried out in partnership with mobility company Skyports.
A multirotor drone, capable of carrying payloads of up to 6kg, will run between Islay and Jura until July 26.
Mail on the route is frequently delayed by pauses in the ferry schedule during poor weather.
Delivery by drone may allow these obstacles to be overcome.
Chris Paxton, Royal Mail’s Head of Drones, said: “This drone trial - Royal Mail’s sixth - is the latest step in our innovative collaboration with Skyports. Trialling drones allows us to test out new ways of working to support our posties in delivering to the most remote areas of the UK.
"As parcel volumes increase, we are continually looking for new ways to provide a reliable, fast and lower emission service to all our customers no matter where they live.”
It is the sixth trial by Royal Mail of a drone delivery system for letters and parcels, with the last test taking place in Orkney earlier this year.
The current test uses the same technology as the Orkney trial, which allows the drone to leave the operator's line of sight.
Cllr Jim Lynch, leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said: “We are working hard to make good things happen in Argyll and Bute and these innovative trials could transform the way vital services are delivered to people in our most remote communities.
"Not just council services either, but other local authorities, businesses, organisations, and emergency services throughout the UK - there is huge value in partnership working to help bring benefits to the people of Argyll and Bute."
Sir Patrick Vallance, UK Minister of State for Science, said: “Fresh thinking and new regulatory approaches will give confidence to investors, researchers and consumers alike.
"We want to encourage businesses to choose the UK as the best destination to develop their new ideas and bring great technologies to market.
“Our funding for these 15 pioneering projects – from drone deliveries for remote communities to using AI in healthcare – will give UK regulators and local authorities the support they need to accelerate innovation and turn it into success in every corner of the country."
