Following my recent members debate on the Bank of Scotland’s decision to close its mobile banking service, I have written to the Bank of Scotland. During the debate, it was encouraging to receive unanimous support from every member that spoke, representing every major party, sending a clear message that Parliament is united in urging the Bank of Scotland to reverse its decision.

Mobile Banks were already an inadequate compromise when local branches were shut, so it is shocking to hear that the Bank of Scotland have chosen to end this service as well. Following the debate, I contacted the Bank of Scotland, asking them to watch the debate and reconsider their decision that would abandon many of my constituents across the Highlands and Islands.

I have since received a reply from the Bank. Despite assuring me that they watched the debate, they showed no intention to even consider a review of the decision. It is not only elected Parliamentarians of every party that the bank is choosing to ignore, but the very taxpayers that bailed them out in the financial crash.

Instead of apologising or reconsidering, they expect their rural customers across the Highlands and Islands to be grateful that they are providing a Community Banker to nine locations and that some locations still have access to a Post Office or ATM. These weak excuses will not cut it, the Bank of Scotland have made their position clear – they simply do not value their rural customers.

Rhoda Grant, Labour, is an MSP for the Highlands and Islands Region

See also:

Click on this link for Mobile Branch service closures