Widespread anger at RBS closures

Bailed-out bank to shut 62 Scottish branches

Plans to axe RBS branches across Tayside have met with fury.

The bank, which was subjected to a high profile bailout by taxpayers in 2008, is closing 259 branches across the UK including 62 in Scotland.

Almost 700 jobs will be lost.

Branches in Perthshire, Angus and Dundee will be among those to close their doors.

Unions last night called the cuts “savage” as politicians, business leaders and members of the public urged banking bosses to rethink their plans.

The Scottish Government said large parts of the country, particularly rural areas, would be left with limited access to branches, and vulnerable people would be worst affected.

Meanwhile, The Courier is launching its own campaign to save local banks.

The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has announced plans to close 62 branches north of the border with the loss of 158 jobs.

The Scottish Government said the news would leave large parts of the country with limited branch coverage.

An RBS spokesman said: “More and more of our customers are choosing to do their everyday banking online or on mobile.

“Since 2014 the number of customers using our branches across the UK has fallen by 40% and mobile transactions have increased by 73%.”

He continued: “As customers continue to change the way they bank with us, we must change the way we serve them, so we are investing in our more popular branches and shaping our network, replacing traditional bricksand-mortar branches with alternative ways to bank, including community bankers, mobile banks on wheels and post offices, so that we can reach even more customers.”

Business minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “The worst impact will be on the most vulnerable members of our society, for many of whom going into a branch is the only feasible way to conduct their banking.

“While recognising that footfall in branches is falling due to online banking, RBS and other banks must take into account the needs of all customers – not just those who can access and use digital services.

“Along with my colleagues, I will be engaging with RBS to ensure that everything possible is being done to mitigate the impact of this decision on communities affected.”

Unite Scotland’s deputy regional secretary Mary Alexander said: “The Scottish Government cannot stand by and watch this catastrophe develop.

“Every bit of financial muscle that the Government has must be deployed to force RBS to change their mind.

“There must urgent talks with RBS to make it clear their proposals are totally unacceptable in modern Scotland.”

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: “I am very disappointed to hear of the plans by the Royal Bank of Scotland to close so many of their branches across Scotland.”

He added: “I’ll be seeking a meeting with the senior leadership of RBS to discuss these closures as a matter of urgency.”

Andy Willox, Scottish policy convener of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “This is bitterly disappointing news, particularly for those bank workers whose jobs are under threat, but also for the Scottish towns, cities and villages affected.

“Ultimately, these changes will make it more difficult to run a business in much of Scotland – including many deprived communities and tourism hotspots.”

He added: “It is time for the big banks to come clean regarding their long-term plans.

“If they’re going to wind down their branch network, they need to develop proper alternatives to service all of their customers’ needs.

“So far promises made regarding smart ATMs and mobile banking have not been delivered.”

Picture: Gareth Jennings. The RBS branch on South Street in Perth has been earmarked for closure.