Moray SNP News

MP & MSP DEMAND MEETING OVER CLYDESDALE BANK CLOSURES

Angus Robertson MP & Richard Lochhead MSP have responded to news that the Clydesdale Bank has announced it is to close its Aberlour and Buckie Branches. 

The news comes just weeks after a report by Which magazine confirmed that Moray had the highest rate of rural bank closures in Scotland. 

Angus Robertson, MP for Moray, said:

"In the North East we have many unique challenges, such as transport, that will make banking difficult for local businesses, the elderly and disabled people if these branches close. I would urge a change in tack by the decision makers.

“The branch closures in Aberlour and Buckie by the Clydesdale Bank are the latest in a long list of closures by various banks including the Bank of Scotland and the Royal Bank of Scotland and I am far from convinced that the banks have given full consideration to different ways of operating that could retain local branches.

“Both the closures in Moray concern local constituents as the Aberlour branch is the last remaining bank in the whole of Speyside, supporting a vibrant tourism industry. Buckie Harbour is also projected to expand activity, supporting major off shore wind developments and local business banking couldn’t be more important.”

Moray's MSP Richard Lochhead said:

"The closure of the Aberlour branch is another blow hot on the heels of the revelation that Moray has already taken a disproportionate share of rural bank branch closures. 

"This is a real kick in the teeth for customers who now face travelling to Keith to visit the bank, which is quite a distance particularly for elderly customers."

Both Mr Robertson and Mr Lochhead have sent letters to the Chief Executive of Clydesdale Bank urging reconsideration of the branch closures that have been announced, and have also requested an urgent meeting to discuss the serious local concerns being raised.