Concerns raised after Bank of Scotland scraps north-east mobile branch services
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The Bank of Scotland has announced it is set to scrap its mobile branch services in communities across Aberdeenshire and Moray.
It will stop providing services to towns and villages on its Inverurie route.
The communities affected will be Turriff, New Pitsligo, Insch, Alford, Huntly, Portlethen, Aboyne, Kingswells and Westhill.
It will also stop going to towns and villages on its Elgin route.
The communities that affected will be Portsoy, Cullen, Fochabers, Burghead and Aberlour.
It will continue to visit them fortnightly before the final dates, with the latest being May 31, 2024. The full timetable can be found here
In its notice the Bank of Scotland said: "Following an in-depth review, we’ll no longer be offering a Mobile Branch service in this area by May 31, 2024.
"We’ve been looking at how customers are using our Mobile Branches. Many are using them less and choosing other ways to bank instead.
"Because of this we’ve made the decision to end this service. This includes all the stops on this route.
"We’re still here to support you and there’s a number of ways you can do your everyday banking with us – online, on your mobile, over the phone or at a Post Office. You can also use a branch.
"After the service ends a Community Banker will be available in Turriff. They can offer support and guidance on the ways you can bank with us."
Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid, who has asked to meet the Bank of Scotland following the decision, said: “It’s shocking that at a time when banks are closing in these areas, residents are now being stripped of mobile services which provide a lifeline to rural communities.
“Older people who use cash and their local bank are finding it increasingly impossible to manage their money because more and more barriers are being put in their way.
“This decision highlights the shameful attitude of banks towards providing face-to-face facilities which is resulting in vulnerable people being abandoned.
“Rural areas desperately rely on these services which is why I have asked to meet with the Bank of Scotland to see what can be done to help their most vulnerable customers across Aberdeenshire and Moray.”
