That the Parliament regrets the Bank of Scotland's reported decision to close 19 branches across Scotland starting later this year, including three in the Highlands and Islands region (at Alness, Forres and Stromness); notes that, in some towns, such as Forres and Stromness, these are the only bank branches available; considers that this makes them invaluable to the local communities of these towns and the surrounding areas; believes that this decision is part of a general trend of the reduction of availability of banking services in smaller towns and villages across Scotland; considers that it is in the public interest to maintain access to banking for all communities, and urges the Bank of Scotland to reconsider this approach.
Supported by:
Karen Adam, Colin Beattie, Ariane Burgess, Stephanie Callaghan, Jackie Dunbar, Kenneth Gibson, Pam Gosal, Bill Kidd, Monica Lennon, Douglas Lumsden, Ruth Maguire, Gillian Martin, John Mason, Stuart McMillan, Audrey Nicoll, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Evelyn Tweed, Tess White