[Scottish Parliament, 02.10.2024] Responding to LINK’s assessment conclusion not to introduce new cash access services following the closure of the Bank of Scotland branches in Mallaig and Kyle, Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston, who has actively campaigned against the closure of local bank branches in rural and island communities, said:
“I recognise that cash usage is declining and that, for many people and businesses, cash is no longer “king”.
“But access to cash remains vital in many local communities, and online banking or card payments are not always a practical alternative in places where unreliable broadband can make accessing these services difficult or impossible.
“We must ensure that those who want or need to access and use cash can still do so. Unfortunately, that is becoming increasingly rare, and this is part of a worrying trend of the erosion of banks, post offices and other local services.
“That downgrading of services – and the loss of other local facilities like GP practices and dentists – is leaving many of our most vulnerable rural communities and small towns feeling abandoned”.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
More information on the LINK assessment is available here: https://www.link.co.uk/our-assessments
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