Scottish Conservatives express concern at bank branch closure in Perth

MSPs Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith

Scottish Conservative MSPs Liz Smith and Murdo Fraser have expressed concerns that the HSBC branch in Perth is set to close.

The bank has announced it will shut 69 branches across the UK in July.

HSBC has said the bank closures are due to customers switching online.

Commenting, Liz Smith MSP, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, said: “Many residents rely on having a local bank branch, but unfortunately we are seeing more and more of these closures. I realise many people use online banking these days, but banks should realise a lot of residents, particularly elderly people, don’t do so and a move like this is ripping the heart out of many of our communities in Perth and Kinross.”

And Murdo Fraser MSP, who also represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, added: “This is another jobs blow to Perth will and is sadly following a pattern of High Street bank branches closing down. It will leave another vacant site in Perth city centre and follows on from job losses at OVO Energy, Debenhams and Beales in Perth.

“We understand that there is a small staff at the Perth branch but nevertheless, it is still a concern to lose these jobs and see another bank branch close in the city.”

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Murdo Fraser MSP

Murdo Fraser

Murdo Fraser was born in Inverness and studied law at Aberdeen University before practicing as a solicitor in Edinburgh. In the 1999 Scottish Parliament Election, Murdo stood as the Conservative candidate for North Tayside, and fought the constituency again at the 2001 General Election. He became a Member of the Scottish Parliament in August 2001 following the resignation of the previous List Member for Mid-Scotland and Fife, and was re-elected in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2016 and 2021. Murdo was Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives from November 2005 to November 2011 and has served as spokesman on Education, Health, Economy and Finance. Murdo was delighted to be re-elected in 2021 and is now Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Business, Economic Growth and Tourism. 
Liz Smith

Liz Smith

Liz Smith was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2007 and was re-elected in 2011, 2016 and in 2021. She is one of four Conservative Regional Members for Mid Scotland and Fife. Following her long-serving role as Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, she became Chief Whip in February 2020. Following the 2021 election, Liz took over the role of Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economy, now serving as Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Public Administration, and chairs two cross party committees: those on Colleges and Universities, and Sport.