Council Leader calls for urgent meeting with RBS on branch closure proposals

Responding to the news that the Royal Bank of Scotland is proposing to close 62 branches in Scotland, including a number in Highland, Cllr Margaret Davidson, Leader of The Highland Council said:

“This news will be of great concern to many communities across the Highlands, who are totally dependent on these branches for private and business banking. While I appreciate the changing nature of banking, it is very disappointing that there was no prior consultation or efforts made to explore alternative options, especially as RBS is a publicly owned bank. 

“Increasing use of online banking is not and never will be a replacement for cash transactions. If branches close, rural businesses that wish to bank their cash income in future will face 100’s of miles round trips to the nearest bank in Highland and this could leave them vulnerable as potential targets for crime in areas without banks.

“I will be writing to RBS to seek an urgent meeting to discuss their branch closure proposals.”