Politicians unite to express their anger at bank’s decision

The decision to close bank branches in Perth and Kinross will “rip the heart out of communities,” according to Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife.

He slammed the move by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) to axe branches in Perth, Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, Kinross, Comrie and Dunblane, and is asking RBS chiefs to “think again”.

RBS has cited customers switching to online banking as one of the main reasons for the closures, but Mr Fraser feels there is “no substitute” for having a physical presence on the High Street.

“This current pattern of closures cannot continue as it threatens to rip the heart out of small communities.”

Pete Wishart, SNP MP for Perth and North Perthshire, added: “The announcement that both Highland Perthshire branches are to close will be devastating for personal banking customers.

“In terms of the Perth South Street closure, I am dismayed that RBS think it is a positive step to close the only branch in the city centre.

“This branch is used by locals, businesses and visitors and I can’t see many of them wanting to make the trip out to Dunkeld Road, Perth, to conduct their business.”

He gave his backing to The Courier campaign, saying: “I am pleased to support The Courier’s campaign to keep bank branches open.

“For so many people the local bank is where they do so much of their business and it is vital for many businesses that rely on counter services to collect change and deposit takings.”

Roseanna Cunningham, SNP MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, said: “The branch closures announced by the RBS in Comrie and Kinross are part of a large-scale closure of branches across the country but it is in those local communities that the impact will be felt.”

Luke Graham, Conservative MSP for Ochil and South Perthshire, said he was “extremely disappointed” by the bank closures in Comrie, Kinross and Alloa.

Pete Wishart MP has backed The Courier’s campaign