A BELOVED postman in Portobello has received kind words from locals after announcing that he can no longer serve the community due to injuries.
After 25 years of delivering mail, Marc Mclellan was told that he couldn’t carry on doing his daily route due to debilitating pains.
Locals have sent messages of gratitude, telling the 46-year-old how much they will miss him.
After a quarter of a century with Royal Mail – the last five of which were spent in the Portobello area – Marc says he had “not realised” the impact he had on the community.
His route was vast, covering Portobello High Street and many side streets along the Promenade and Esplanade.
Marc started experiencing pains in his Achilles tendons and calves around 2021, which grew over the years and ended up in debilitating “agony”.
Speaking on the decision today, Marc said: “After many doctors visits, physio visits and specialists it was decided that due to my workload and my injuries I couldn’t carry on sadly.”
The postie fondly looks back on his career, saying: “I loved being outdoors and delivering to all my wonderful customers over the years.
“I loved to interact with them all, from little ones waving to me at windows to helping elderly ladies cross the road.
“I just had a wonderful connection with all my customers, and I am so overwhelmed by the love some of them have shown me on social media.”
After announcing his departure from his usual route online, locals bombarded the beloved postie with countless messages, telling Marc “your smiling face will be missed”.
One said: “Everyone in Arran Place will miss you. Good luck for the future”
Another replied: “Oh so sorry to hear this. Always looked out for the number one postie, always smiling and always had time for a chat. You will be missed.”
Another commented: “We’ve been missing you on the Prom and will continue to.
“Thanks for being amazing and always so smiley and positive. Look after yourself and best wishes for your next chapter.”
Marc added: “It will be so sad when it finally hits home that it’s over. I had not realised how much I was loved by the people of Portobello.
“Honestly, it’s been so wonderful to read and to know how my customers feel about me and how I’ll be missed etc. It’s truly lovely.”