Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant disappointed after Clydesdale confirms it will still push ahead with closure of Dingwall branch following short-lived reprieve during Covid-19 coronavirus lockdown
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A SHORT-lived reprieve for a key bank branch in Dingwall will end in its closure on August 31, it has been confirmed.
Clydesdale had shelved plans to close its Dingwall branch when the Covid-19 pandemic struck, with concerned locals warning that the loss of vital banking services at such a time would cause additional hardship for those reliant on banking in person.
The move to hold off on closure – which was originally slated for June 1 – was warmly welcomed at the time, with many hoping that the decision might be made more permanent as the region emerged from lockdown.
But a Highland MSP has today learned that the closure will now go ahead at the end of August.
Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, said she was very disappointed after the bank wrote to her to confirm the new closure date.
Earlier this year, she had written to the Clydesdale bank, which has now merged with Virgin Money, asking about the future of its Dingwall branch given that it said it would not be preceding with closure “until further notice” due to recognition of the impact of Covid 19 and uncertainty.
The MSP asked then if there was further information as to what would happen to the Dingwall branch, and if it would still close this year.
She also suggested that the bank might keep the branch open in the long term given that there may be more local footfall for shops and services when restrictions were eased.
The reply at the time from Clydesdale was: “This latest decision comes on top of numerous measures to protect colleague and customer health and wellbeing at this time.
"Our priority is to continue providing services for our customers, while keeping colleagues safe. These are unprecedented times and we continue to review what further action we can take to support our customers, communities and colleagues.”
Responding to today's update, she added: “I am very disappointed at this decision, especially as the previous announcement raised false hopes for some residents.
“I said at the time of the reprieve that I feared it could be temporary and unfortunately I’ve been proved right.
“Bank and ATM closures have hit our rural areas the hardest and the elderly and more vulnerable are being affected.
"The number of internet banking scams have also increased with Covid-19 and I know some customers are increasingly wary about carrying out these services on line.
“The banks are not for turning despite local and political pressure.”
Last year Mrs Grant had a meeting with bank officials about proposed closures.
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