An MSP is calling for answers over the decision to shut the last bank in Kirkcudbright.
Lloyds Banking Group is closing 60 branches across the country, with the Bank of Scotland in the Artists’ Town set to shut in August.
South Scotland SNP MSP Emma Harper has hit out at the move and has written to company bosses asking them to explain their decision.
She said: “When the news broke on Wednesday last week, I immediately contacted Bank of Scotland leadership to express my concern and to ask what steps the bank has taken to liaise with staff impacted and those reliant on in-branch services.
“Additionally, I asked the bank leadership to clearly set out what steps they are taking to ensure customers impacted by this closure can still access crucial banking services after the branches close.
“I am aware of the review of banking services which was carried out by Bank of Scotland in 2021. This review states ‘Over 18 million of our customers bank with us online and over 13 million use mobile banking’.
“However, this is not the case for many of the people who rely on the services provided at the Kirkcudbright branch. This is an area with geographically higher numbers of older people, many of whom do not use online or telephone banking.”
When announcing the closure programme last week, the retail director for Lloyds Banking Group Vim Maru 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.”
South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth said: “This is devastating news for communities and in particular the staff at branches facing the axe.
“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.”
