Bank customers in protest at plan to close local RBS branch

CUSTOMERS facing a round trip of nearly 90 minutes to reach a Royal Bank of Scotland yesterday protested against the closure of their local branch.

Around 150 residents and business owners in Aberfeldy, Perthshire, raised concerns over trade and tourism.

It was announced last year that 62 of the bank’s outlets will close across rural Scotland, affecting thousands of people.

Should the Aberfeldy branch close as planned in June, locals will be forced to travel to either Blairgowrie or Perth’s Dunkeld Road to use a walk-in bank. Avril Taylor, owner of card shop Wishing Well, said: I’m angry there was no community consultation before it was announced.’

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Murdo Fraser, said: ‘Given the assistance RBS had from the taxpayer I think they have a social responsibility towards communities such as this.’

RBS says more customers bank online and it is investing in mobile branches.