But that branch isn’t even under threat, Stephen...

A councillor says he is “at a loss” to understand why Stirling MP Stephen Kerr posted a video of himself talking about planned RBS branch closures – outside a bank which isn’t under threat.

The Observer reported last week that RBS branches in Bannockburn, Dunblane and Bridge of Allan would be closing their doors in the new year.

And shortly after the announcement was made, Mr Kerr posted a video to his Facebook page in which he is standing outside the branch in Pitt Terrace expressing his concern at the decision.

He said news of the closures came as an “unpleasant surprise” and spoke of his intention to raise the issue in the House of Commons. He added that he was concerned about the impact this could have on staff and customers.

However, Bannockburn SNP councillor Alasdair MacPherson insists he is baffled as to why Mr Kerr didn’t join the demonstration voicing opposition to the closures at the branch in Bannockburn, and instead chose to film at the Stirling bank.

He said: “Last week, when RBS announced the closure of the Bannockburn branch, I and a few others organised two petitions, one online and one outside of the bank. Combined, these petitions have now over 2300 signatories.

“I saw on social media a photo of Mr Kerr standing outside an RBS branch in Stirling, which is not threatened by closure. I am at a loss to understand why he did not join us outside the Bannockburn branch as its closer to his constituency office.

“He would have witnessed at first hand the elderly people who are devastated at losing their bank.

“RBS is 71 per cent owned by us through the UK Treasury so Mr Kerr must do everything he can do to save it from closure.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Conservatives hit back at Councillor MacPherson, saying: “Clearly anyone scrutinising Stephen Kerr’s Facebook page will have seen just how much Stephen is doing to support communities affected by these closures in Bannockburn, Dunblane and Bridge of Allan. I don’t think he should be taking lectures from disgraced councillors who have served suspensions for behaviour considered aggressive and decision making that is pre-judged.”