INCREASES in mobile, internet and telephone banking have been given as the reasons behind Bank of Scotland’s plans to close their branch in Annan.
An expected closure date of March 2, 2026, has been given for the site, while plans have also been shared to shut branches in Moffat, Thornhill and Sanquhar.
In a letter released this week, Bank of Scotland said: “Before we close any branch, we look at how our customers are managing their money and using the branch.
“Most customers are now using our mobile banking app, internet banking or calling us instead, which means they are using branches much less. Because of this, we’ll be closing our Annan branch.”
They added that a banking hub was being planned for the town. These are shared banking spaces set up by Cash Access UK and operated by the Post Office.
Dumfriesshire politicians, MP David Mundell has reacted with anger to the news.
He said: “This news will come as an extremely heavy blow to the communities which stand to be affected and are, in effect, evidence of the Bank of Scotland giving up
on providing traditional banking services in rural communities.”
Between 2019 and 2024, personal and business customer transactions at the Annan branch were found to be down 37 per cent and 40 per cent.
All workers affected by closures will be offered alternative roles.
Banking hubs explained
LINK, the UK’s cash access and ATM network, this week announced Annan would be one of four towns across Scotland to receive a banking hub.
The town will benefit from new banking hubs as part of a wider commitment to protect access to cash.
Banking hubs are a shared banking space, similar to a traditional bank branch, but available to everyone.
When opened, the hub will consist of a counter service operated by Post Office employees, where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions.
In addition, there will be private spaces where customers can speak to community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters that require specialist knowledge or privacy.
The banks will be working on a rotating basis, so there will be staff from different banks available on different days.
The banking hub will be delivered by Cash Access UK. Over the next few weeks, it will begin to engage with the community and will start to look for potential sites.
Dr Chris Ashton, chief commercial officer at LINK, said: “While more people are choosing to bank and pay for things digitally, we know that many people still rely and choose to use cash and face-to-face banking.
“There are over 100 hubs open across the country and when they open, they will be vital for the local community and high street.”
Politicians left concerned following announcement
SOUTH Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has accused high street banks of abandoning communities across Dumfries and Galloway, following the Bank of Scotland news.
And he thinks the opportunity for all staff to retain their jobs will be ‘limited’.
Meanwhile, fellow MSP Emma Harper is seeking a meeting with Lloyds Banking Group as she is concerned that the planned banking hubs will not always be accessible.
Mr Smyth said: “The relentless abandoning of communities by our High Street banks continues and it will soon be the case that all areas outwith the very biggest towns and cities simply won’t have a bank.
“While banks point to falling footfall, they fail to mention that they drive this, including Bank of Scotland, by removing services from branches and forcing customers to access more and more them online or by phoning a call centre.
“I welcome the UK Government’s commitment to roll-out more banking hubs but unfortunately it is coming too late for many communities which have become banking deserts. Action to provide alternatives should have been pursued years ago by the previous government.
“As well as an impact on customers, it is important to remember these decisions will also lead to job losses and my thoughts are very much with those affected. While the banks say staff can be relocated, opportunities for this to happen locally are very limited.”
Ms Harper has said that these branches provide a crucial service to local residents and their closure risks harming those in the local community who rely on face-to-face banking services.
She said: “The news of Bank of Scotland branch closures, which is owned by Lloyds Banking Group, in Annan, Sanquhar, Thornhill and Moffat is of concern to local residents.
“While some assurances have been given regarding deposit and cash access services, I am deeply concerned about the potential impact of this closure on members of the community who rely on these services. “This includes many older people who do not use online banking services. I am also concerned that the mobile banking hubs which are referenced are not always fully accessible – forcing people to bank on the street.
“I am urgently seeking a meeting with the Bank of Scotland to understand the impact of this decision on my constituents. I welcome constituents contacting me on this matter at any time.”
