Bank of Scotland to shut two Western Isles branches

Two island branches of the Bank of Scotland (BoS) are set to shut for good in six months.

Banks in Lochmaddy and Tarbert will close in February.

The bank said it carried out a review before arriving at the “difficult decision” to pull down the shutters.

An alternative branch for affected island customers is in Portree in Skye suggests the BoS - a journey which requires travel by ferry and road.

BoS said: “The world is becoming more digital than ever before and more of our customers are doing their everyday banking online.

“With more customers choosing to use digital ways to bank and manage their money, visits at this branch have fallen. As a result, we've made the difficult decision to close it.”

SNP MSP Alasdair Allan, condemned the closure decisions which leaves only two Bank of Scotland branches for the entirety of the Outer Hebrides, located in Stornoway and Benbecula.

Mr Allan said: “While many customers are now able to make use of digital and phone banking, there are many services which can only be carried out in-branch, and there can be technical issues with digital banking as well as lengthy and frustrating waits to speak with customer support teams over the phone.

“The Bank of Scotland’s alternative suggestions for users of the Tarbert branch include a two hour round-trip to the Stornoway branch by car or bus, or (somewhat incredibly) to undertake a three hour journey by ferry and road to Portree in Skye and then back again.

“Portree is also suggested as the second nearest branch for Lochmaddy Bank of Scotland’s customers to access.

“Would a six hour, or even a two hour, round-trip to access a bank be seen as acceptable for customers in the Central Belt?”

He added: “After a taxpayer-funded bailout of £30 billion following 2008’s financial crash, surely the Bank of Scotland can do better than this for its customers, particularly a number of elderly or vulnerable users, for whom making the switch to online or over the phone banking could be extremely difficult.

“Today’s news is disappointing, to say the very least, and I am seeking assurances from the bank about how they will ensure that the local post offices, for example, are able to cover as far as possible the impact which will be felt by this service removal.”

Meanwhile, the Ullapool BoS branch will close this October.

Bank of Scotland to shut two Western Isles branches

19 July 2023