> Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston: Bank of Scotland's decision to close branches in Aviemore and Fort Augustus highlights lack of consideration for the accessibility needs of people in rural and remote communities.
Commenting on the recent decision by the Bank of Scotland to close its branches in Aviemore and Fort Augustus, Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said:
"These closures fail to take into account the essential needs of rural and remote communities in the Highlands and Islands, depriving them of essential banking services.
"For many local people, particularly some older residents and those who struggle to access online services, face-to-face interaction with bank staff is essential for managing their financial affairs.
“And, of course, too many people living in our rural areas are still unable to use internet banking due to unreliable or non-existent broadband connections.
“The loss of High Street branches, and the impact it is having, has been a concern for some time. I urge the banks to work together to find ways of maintaining their presence on the High Street, such as the creation of banking hubs.
“I am looking forward to visiting the new banking hub in Forres in the next few months, and solutions like this might provide some hope that banking services can be maintained on our High Streets.
"In the interim, all the banks should work together to prioritise the accessibility needs of its customers before taking decisions which see further branch losses in our communities."
ENDS
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