Mums could be left disappointed on Mother’s Day after it emerged fresh flowers are among items retailers will not deliver to parts of the North-east.

The snub was highlighted by MSP Richard Lochhead, whose Fair Delivery Charges campaign has exposed unfair fees levied on shoppers in rural Scotland.

Thousands of members of the public have responded to his call for evidence with tales of hidden charges, often despite promises of free delivery to mainland UK. It has so far resulted in 124 reports to the Advertising Standards Agency.

Mr Lochhead said the bar on blooms was “just the latest ridiculous snub for shoppers in Moray and the Highlands, who are once again told they don’t live on the mainland”.

“Rural consumers are often more dependent on online shopping, but are constantly faced by hidden fees and extortionate surcharges,” he said.

“For shoppers without a local florist or who live far from their family, this sort of approach goes beyond inconvenience and becomes infuriating.”