Clydesdale Bank's decision to close branch in Dingwall leaves customers feeling 'badly let down'; critics point out Dingwall's status as Ross-shire's county and market town, and argue that people living in a wide area use the branch
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SHOCKED Clydesdale Bank customers feel “badly let down” after the company announced plans to shut its Dingwall branch in June.
It is one of seven branches in Scotland which are earmarked for closure as the bank continues its merger of operations with its Yorkshire Bank and Virgin Money brands.
The company claims the closures are the result of fewer customers using branches and, according to the letter, customers will be directed to the branch in Inverness – representing a round trip of 29 miles from centre to centre – if they need to see a member of staff.
Dingwall and Seaforth ward councillor Margaret Paterson was not happy about it and said: “I really think they are making a mistake. Dingwall is a market town so it is not just the people who live in the town that use the branch.”
Fellow ward councillor Graham MacKenzie said Inverness was a long way to travel to the nearest branch, especially for those without access to their own transport. He said: “I expect Clydesdale will lose customers because of this situation.”
Kate Forbes, MSP for the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency and newly-appointed finance minister, said: “I recognise that people are using banking services differently but there will still be a lot of people who depend on this branch and who will not find it easy to go into Inverness.
“It will also be a difficult time for staff, many of whom have been serving the local community for a long time.
“This is an unfortunate decision and it’s sad to see another branch leave one of our Highland towns.”
Jackie Mackenzie, a Dingwall resident and a Clydesdale customer for more than 25 years, said she felt badly let down by the bank.
She said: “The Dingwall branch is really busy and the staff are excellent. I have always appreciated the one-to-one service and advice from knowledgeable employees, which you can’t get online.”
She said the move represented poor service for customers and was bad for towns and villages in the Highlands, adding: “I imagine it will be an anxious time for the Clydesdale staff in Dingwall and I hope they will be offered alternative positions.”
Lucy Dimes, of Virgin Money UK, said a decision to close a branch was never taken lightly and added: “As our customers change the way they want to bank with us, we are evolving the role of our stores – investing in all of the ways that customers are choosing to bank with us, including a reimagined Virgin Money presence on the high street.”
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