The Royal Bank of Scotland has confirmed it will press ahead with the closure of its Comrie branch, despite pressure from local residents and politicians.
The Perthshire bank was one of 10 given a stay of execution as part of a nationwide cull, so that footfall and other local factors could be further assessed during the summer.
Following the results of the wide-ranging study by independent consultants Johnston Carmichael, RBS has announced it will close Comrie, but save branches in Biggar and Barra.
Bank bosses are now looking at improving the mobile service in Comrie and have pledged to retain the cash point.
Managing director of personal banking at RBS, Simon Watson said: “Johnston Carmichael has judged that there are exceptional circumstances in Biggar and Barra and has recommended that these branches remain open – so they will.
“The report highlights the difficult nature of branch closure decisions. We know branches are important to many communities, but equally we know that fewer and fewer people are using them as more people bank online.”
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith, who campaigned to save the branch, described the announcement as “very disappointing, but not altogether unexpected”.
The Tory MSP said: “Ultimately, the move is bad for retail customers and businesses, and the loss of this branch will hit the local community hard.
“It is important that RBS maintain their commitment to the ATM, as use of this service has increased substantially according to the Johsnton Carmichael report.”
She added: “The statistics from the report show that a significant number of bank branch users are younger customers between the age of 18 and 29, which goes against everything we have heard about the profile of branch users.
“In failing to see either the business or human case for maintaining a branch in Comrie, RBS have shown a real lack of foresight and I believe this decision could be one they regret.”
The move has been slammed by Unite the union. Regional officer Lyn Turner said: “This is obviously good news for RBS customers and communities in Castle Bay and Biggar.
“However, the Johnston Carmichael review was entirely predictable and nothing but a rubber-stamp of RBS management decisions.
“Sixty communities, out of an original 62 earmarked for closure, will now be marginalised by this so-called review.
“Unite will now request to meet RBS urgently to discuss the impact from today’s announcement on our members.”
