Grantown bank closure condemned
The June closure of Grantown's Bank of Scotland branch has been roundly condemned by local and national representatives.
Brian Sloan, chief executive of Age Scotland Chief Executive said: “We’re very sad to see Lloyds follow other banks and put profits ahead of its loyal customers, especially those who are older, disabled or don’t have internet access."
He was responding to the announcement of no fewer than 56 closures across the country, including the one in the Strathspey capital which will leave the strath with just the one BoS branch – in Aviemore.
Grantown will still be served by Lloyds TSB but with its already much reduced hours, quietly announced last summer.
“There’s no doubt this will make it harder for tens of thousands of people to access their cash and manage their money on a daily basis," said Mr Sloan.
"This is part of a slow, relentless march, pushing customers online whether they like it or not, and leading to banking deserts across Scotland.
“We know older people are more likely to rely on physical branches and prefer a face-to-face service. Seven in 10 over-65s don’t use digital banking at all, and more than half of Scottish people aged 80 and above never use the internet."
At the same time, local Highland Councillor Muriel Cockburn has blasted the banking giant's "complete disregard" for the interests of local customers.
She told the Strathy she had wanted to go into the branch to sympathise with the staff but it had simply been too crowded.
Related article: Bank of Scotland to shut Grantown branch
