DO NOT FORGET UKRAINE FUN AND FROLICS AS GIGHA RAFT RACE RETURNS – TURN TO P9 FOR MORE CAMPBELTOWN Erin is Highland Show champ REACTS TO ANOTHER BANK WITHDRAWAL
Campbeltown will have just a single bank when the Bank of Scotland closes its Longrow South branch on October 29.
The withdrawal will leave the town, once home to four banks, with just one – Virgin Money, formerly the Clydesdale Bank, on Longrow.
It follows the closure of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Castlehill branch in 2018, and the TSB on Bolgam Street in 2021.
The Bank of Scotland is a subsidiary of the Lloyds Banking Group, which has blamed the decision on a change in customers’ banking behaviour – but it has received criticism from some customers and councillors for a lack of consultation over the closure.
The banking group has revealed plans to close 190 branches – including 15 Bank of Scotland branches – between this year and next.
Announcing the Campbeltown closure, the bank said: “Before we close any branch, we look at how our customers are managing their money and using the branch. Most customers are now using our mobile banking app, internet banking or calling us instead. This means they are using branches, including our Campbeltown branch, much less.”
One bank customer said: “I can understand the decision from the bank’s point of view – I can’t remember the last time I went into the branch as I do all my banking online, even paying in cheques, but you never know when you might need it.
“And it has the closest ATM to the town centre, so that might hit shops that prefer cash. It’s a shame for the bank staff, too.”
Another customer, who does personal and business banking with the branch, said: “In terms of personal banking, I don’t think it will affect me very much, but it won’t be as convenient for business banking.
“I haven’t actually been notified by the bank about the closure yet, so I’m not sure how business banking will be done going forwards. Their communication with customers could be better.”
A spokesperson for the Bank of Scotland told the Courier that all staff working at the Campbeltown branch will be offered a role at another branch or in another part of the business.
They added: “As many customers now choose to bank through their mobile app or online, visits to our Campbeltown branch have fallen over recent years.
“The local Post Office offers everyday banking, with cash
It was third time lucky for the Rhoin Farm’s Erin Ralston in the Clydesdale section’s Young Stockman class at this year’s Royal Highland Show. After winning bronze and silver the last two years, Erin received the champion’s rosette this year. For the full story, turn to page four.
also available at close-by freeto-use ATMs.
“Customers can also manage their money through our mobile banking apps, online, by calling us or speaking to a ‘community banker’.”
The location and days on which the ‘community banker’ will visit the area are still to be decided, following discussions with the community.
According to the bank, Campbeltown’s Post Office, located inside the Co-op supermarket is a six-minute walk away, and the nearest free-to-use ATM is 0.07 miles away, with three free-to-use ATMs within half a mile of the closing branch.
All three of South Kintyre’s councillors have reacted to the news with shock and anger, with Councillor Tommy Macpherson and Councillor Jennifer Kelly telling us they plan to write to the bank to ask them to reconsider the decision, and Councillor John Armour saying he will support any campaign to keep it open.
Councillor Macpherson said: “The Bank of Scotland Campbeltown branch closure will further reduce the local community’s access to cash and financial services.
“A cashless society will adversely impact upon our independent retailers and small businesses, both our elderly and low-income households.
“Bank branches are a core point of contact between customers and financial institutions. Poor access to bank branches can result in financial exclusion having an adverse effect on local businesses, and aging and low-income households throughout our rural remote and island communities.
“Additionally, the population of an area is not just restricted to the residential population but could also include the working or daytime population that visits the neighbourhood during the day for work or leisure purposes.
“Whilst the offer of a ‘community bankers’ hub may give some assurance to customers, there is no cash transaction facility. We must keep cash alive in our community.”
Councillor Kelly said she was “utterly appalled” at the bank’s decision to close the branch.
“Whilst I fully appreciate that many of their customers are using the likes of telephone or online banking more often, there are many people within our community who do not have the means or ability to use digital banking methods and rely on being able to attend the local branch,” she said.
“I think it is disgraceful that the Bank of Scotland have made this decision without consulting their customers. The lack of consultation demonstrates a complete disregard for the wants and needs of our community.”
She added: “The Bank of Scotland needs to understand and appreciate the remoteness of our branch and just how important it is to the area. Whilst digital banking has its advantages, we often face connection and signal issues in our rural areas and are unable to access online banking facilities.
“Furthermore, I am deeply concerned about the potential increase in banking scams if more people, especially the elderly and vulnerable, are forced to use telephone and online banking as their only means of dealing with their financial affairs.
“I will be making further enquiries and will be writing to the Bank of Scotland to raise my concerns and fight against this decision.”
Councillor Armour is “dismayed” to see another announcement of a bank closure in Campbeltown.
“While banks are not used as often as they used to be, they provide a service for those who are not technically minded and especially for those businesses that require to withdraw and deposit cash on a daily basis.
“To lose another bank after the demise of the Royal Bank of Scotland and TSB will hit those who use the services of the Bank of Scotland in our community hard.”
He added: “My concern is, though, that closure of banks throughout Argyll and Bute now seems to be moving at a very fast pace and despite good campaigns from local people to keep them open, the banks themselves will not listen.
“The hard-working staff in our local branch, who often go well beyond the call of duty for their customers, deserve far better than the shoddy way this has been announced.
“I am happy to support any campaign to look at keeping the bank open even as a hub with another bank or sharing office facilities with another business.”
‘I am deeply concerned about the potential increase in banking scams...if the elderly and vulnerable are forced to use online banking...’