True cost of bank branch closures

Giving up control of your personal financial affairs is among the most difficult choices anyone faces in life. Indeed it is one none of us would hope ever to end up being forced to make.

So the idea that individuals across our area could be landed in that position at the stroke of a bank chief ’s pen is quite frightening.

If anyone really still thought of bank branch closures as no more than a commercial matter, a dry decision with no human consequence, then today’s evidence must surely force a rethink.

It has always been clear that two groups in particular would be badly hit across our area: the older generations and tourism-based businesses.

Now some of the stark consequences for both are starting to be laid bare.

And Highlands and

Islands Enterprise is to be congratulated for commissioning the work that is doing just that.

Its survey shows clear backing for our argument that banking is local infrastructure”.

And that pulling the plug on high-street counters is pulling against concerted efforts to ensure the region’s appeal to visitors is exploited to its full extent.

It is to their credit that MSPs with some sway on these issues left the comfort of the capital to hear at first-hand the deep fears being felt at the sharp end.

Now it is time the banks listen to these voices too and fully contemplate the damage they risk doing.

“Time the banks listen to these voices and contemplate the damage they risk doing”

“a basic part of the