Bank betrays Barra people

Sir, – Just when I thought the Royal Bank of Scotland couldn’t get any lower in the estimation of the Scottish public, I have been proved wrong; the sole bank on the small island of Barra is to be closed!

The profit-grasping executives of a bank which unfortunately carries the word “Scotland” in its title, have obviously neither shame nor scruples regarding the financial well-being of a thousand or so inhabitants on this small island.

Their nearest banking service, they’ve been told, is now almost 25 miles away by sea at Lochboisdale on South Uist.

After almost a century of working in financial partnership with the local population, the bank now appears to feel no responsibility whatsoever towards the thousand or so inhabitants of that small island.

Yes, they’ve been left with an ATM machine (for the time being) so let’s hope it has the capacity to accept both cheques and cash, but have you ever tried to discuss a financial mishap with one?

And, yes, there is internet banking, but with an ageing population on the island who find modern technology difficult to master, at least half the islanders are now totally without any form of personalised banking service.

Enough is enough! I’d like to think that little Barra will turn into “the Lion who roars” – and that, just for once, Nicola Sturgeon might be listening.

Archibald A. Lawrie. 5 Church Wynd, Kingskettle.