The last remaining bank in an Ayrshire town is to be axed.
The Bank of Scotland, in Troon’s Templehill, will close its doors for the final time in September.
Troon’s branch is one of 19 Scottish ones to be axed by parent company the Lloyds Banking Group.
But the news has been met with dismay.
South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth said: “This is devastating news for communities and, in particular, the staff at branches facing the axe.
“My thoughts are with them and their families and I will be urging the bank to do all they can to assist their workers find alternative employment, which is the very least they can do.”
He added: “This round of branch closures is the latest in the dismantling of the local bank network and I really do fear it is only a matter of time before only cities and the largest towns have any banks at all.
“The axing of these banks came out of the blue, but it is a long term trend.”
In recent years the Ayrshire town boasted a number of banks.
However, over time The Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander, Clydesdale and TSB all packed up and left.
The closures are being blamed on changing customer habits and the rise of internet banking.
But the news will still be a bitter pill to swallow for those in Troon who relied on their local bank for in-person transactions, or queries.
In total, 60 branches including Halifax, Lloyds Bank and the Bank of Scotland will close around the UK.
Vim Maru, group retail director, Lloyds Banking Group said: “Just like many other high street businesses, fewer customers are choosing to visit our branches.
“Our branch network is an important way for us to support our customers, but we need to adapt to the significant growth in customers choosing to do most of their everyday banking online.”
The Troon Bank of Scotland is set to close on September 21.
The announcement has been condemned by the union Unite.
Caren Evans, national officer for the union Unite, said: “Lloyds Banking Group must not be allowed to abandon 60 more local communities where bank branches play an essential role.
“The 124 employees who work tirelessly in their communities are dedicated to serving the banking needs of the most vulnerable who depend on their skilled services.
“When a bank branch closes, the heart of the local community is ripped out and the results are devastating.
“Unite is clear that simply leaving an ATM in place of a vibrant bank branch is wholly insufficient.
“The banking sector needs to answer some serious questions about its corporate social responsibilities and the Government cannot stand back and allow the relentless closure of banks to continue until no more local banking services remain.”
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