Murdo Fraser MSP has called on the Bank of Scotland to have a “rethink” on their plan to close a swathe of mobile branches across Mid Scotland and Fife.
The bank previously announced that it would be closing its mobile banking services in Aberfeldy, Bankfoot, Errol, Scone, Methven, Dunning, Blair Atholl, Auchterarder, Luncarty, Coupar Angus, Murthly, Stanley, Kinross and Killin in May.
This proposal raised concerns from both local residents and MSPs, and, as a result, a Members’ Business Motion on the issue – brought forward by Rhoda Grant MSP - was recently heard at the Scottish Parliament.
Speaking in the Parliamentary debate, Mr Fraser said: “I have been involved in trying to save a number of bank branches over the years in my region. Where the Bank of Scotland closed a branch, the sweetener promised was that there would be a mobile service provided as an alternative. It is a real concern that just a few years on we are now seeing that service being withdrawn, affecting a whole range of communities across Perthshire.
“This move affects a huge area in my region so I call upon the Bank of Scotland to rethink this decision. They have said they are willing to use community bankers as an alternative at three sites at Aberfeldy, Auchterarder and Kinross. We await more details of that to see if it is satisfactory.”
He continued: “We have seen changes in banking practices, and this is understandable as many of us move towards banking online. However, banking online is not for everyone – there are some residents who are elderly or vulnerable and don’t have the capability to use it or who don’t have good enough broadband in order to do so.
“There are also some businesses who deal in cash and they are unable to bank their cash online.
“It has been suggested that some residents could use post offices to do their banking as an alternative but again we are seeing post offices disappearing, such as in Aberfeldy where the future of its facility has been uncertain. We have to see access to comprehensive banking for all residents, including those who struggle to use online banking.
“If banks do close both physical and mobile branches, they need to ensure there is an alternative available.”
