Bank robbery

Martin Redfern suggests the SNP raise taxes to mitigate the closure of RBS banks. His comment that banks are “not public services” is typical of someone who lives in a big city and will never face the problems described by Jim Craigen and Michael Baird (Letters 22 December). I know the Black Isle well as it’s where my mother was born and where my sister and her husband live in Cromarty, and I’m sure Messrs Craigen and Baird will testify that there are many Bank streets in the rural towns and villages, but precious few banks. These banks were often the hub of rural communities and provided a focal point which took their usefulness beyond the simple provision of financial services. Mrs May can repeat ad nauseam that this is a commercial decision, but if she does nothing and her 13 obedient Scottish MP servants continue to sit on their hands, the voters in rural communities will have one remedy in their hands at the next election.

GILL TURNER

Derby Street, Edinburgh