Local banking? Don't bank on it!

"It is our aim to try and redeploy all colleagues in a closing branch" BANK OF SCOTLAND

Seven Bank of Scotland branches are closing in the Highlands because of so-called 'low levels of demand,' according to a statement from the banking firm.

Amoung the affected branches in the MFR area are Beauly, Dornoch, Fortrose, Helmsdale, and Kingussie.

Across the country a total of 24-branches will be shut down between July and October this year, with the loss of up to 30-jobs.

FULL LIST OF HIGHLAND BRANCHES SHUTTING THEIR DOORS:

• Beauly
• Bonar Bridge
• Dornoch
• Fortrose
• Helmsdale
• Kingussie
• Lairg

"All of the closures announced are due to reduced or low levels of demand" BANK OF SCOTLAND

A spokesperson told MFR News: "All of the closures announced are due to reduced or low levels of demand, and in some cases because of a local overlap of branches.

"We apologise for any inconvenience that these changes may cause, and have informed customers of the closest alternative branch.

"We remain committed to our Bank of Scotland branch network and branches will continue to play an important role in our multi-channel approach to meeting customer needs; at the same time we are investing heavily in digital and mobile to give our customers choice.

"We are also announcing that our mobile branch service will be further expanded across the Bank of Scotland network, with the introduction of four new mobile branches.

"These will be in place ahead of closure to ensure continuity of branch banking services in some of our more rural areas, alongside other ways to access banking locally.

"It is our aim to try and redeploy all colleagues in a closing branch who want to remain with the business, into an alternative role."

• Kingussie