Tain, Gairloch and Dingwall rocked as Bank of Scotland prepares to pull out
PEOPLE in vast swathes of Ross-shire will be left without direct access to bank branches following the latest closure plans to rock the county.
Tain, Gairloch and Dingwall are all on the Bank of Scotland’s closure hit list with the first due to shut their doors just weeks after the turn of the new year.
As reported yesterday, MSP Kate Forbes is already calling for a change of heart over the Dingwall closure, which would leave the county town with no branch banks.
Hammer blow for Dingwall set to lose last branch bank
There’s a shocked reaction across the county this morning with one comment posted on social media in Tain summing up the feeling of many: “My parents still deal in cash and this is a travesty.
“How can people with no Internet banking and mobility issues function if you take their bank away? If you are 90 years old, how do you adapt to this modern way?”
The closures in Scotland are scheduled as follows:
Tain — January 12.
Gairloch — January 15.
Dingwall — March 25.
A Bank of Scotland spokesperson said: “The way people are banking has changed, as more than ever, customers are choosing to manage their money through our app.
“The local Post Office offers everyday banking, with cash also available at free-to-use ATMs. Customers can also manage their money on our app, online or by calling us.”
That however is cold comfort for many, amongst them some who fear the gradual move towards a cashless society.
The bank says staff will be offered roles either at another branch — likely to be difficult in Ross-shire — or another section of the business.
“Shocking” is a word being used widely on social media this morning in communities coast to coast in Ross-shire.
One observer in Tain wrote: “I feel for the people who don’t have internet and elderly people who can’t use modern technology — and what about all the tourists that come to this part of the Highlands and rely on changing currency at the bank. Not all towns have a post office. So sad.”
Gairloch Community Council posted: “Lloyds HBOS has announced that the Gairloch Bank of Scotland branch is one of 49 branches set for permanent closure on January 15 next year.
“This will no doubt affect quite a number of local community groups who hold accounts there, and comes on top of the introduction of a recently introduced monthly charge for community accounts with the bank.
“It looks like the Shop At the Pier will be seeing a significant increase in customers using the Post Office's cash facilities next year!”
Ross MSP Maree Todd said: “I am deeply disappointed to learn of the closure of two Bank of Scotland branches within my constituency.
“Lloyds’ reassurances of their commitment to supporting vulnerable and elderly customers in their transition to alternative banking methods, such as digital, are insufficient in a constituency where connectivity can act as a barrier to accessing basic services.
“I have written to Lloyds’ to express my disappointment and urge them to reconsider and also to engage with the affected communities, to find a solution that protects the residents access to essential banking services.”
What’s your view? Leave a comment here or email hector.mackenzie@hnmedia.co.uk