Two RBS branches given a reprieve

Two RBS branches at risk of closure will remain open, the bank has announced after receiving recommendations from an independent review .

The branches in Biggar, South Lanarkshire, and Castlebay on Barra in the Western Isles will not be closed due to independent reviewers citing “exceptional circumstances”.

The closure of eight branches out of the ten underreviewhasnowbeen confirmed, in addition to 52 previously announced.

Branches in Beauly, Tongue, Kyle, Melrose, Inveraray, Comrie, Douglas and Gretna will all shut.

The decision to keep the Barra branch open is due to concern that the mobile bank may have been unable to reliably reach the island in bad weather.

The Biggar branch was given a reprieve due to demand and the nearest RBS branch being 13 miles away in Lanark.