Forres set to lose its last bank with closure of Bank of Scotland branch
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THE Bank of Scotland has confirmed it is to close its branch in Forres.
With the imminent closure of the TSB in the town, this latest move will leave Forres without a bank.
A spokesperson for the Bank of Scotland, said: "Just like many other high street businesses, fewer customers are choosing to visit our branches.
"Our branch network is an important way for us to support our customers, but we need to adapt to the significant growth in customers choosing to do most of their everyday banking online.
"When our Forres branch closes in July, customers can continue to bank with us at the local Post Office which is a short walk away, as are several free-to-use ATMs."
Moray MP Douglas Ross and MSP Richard Lochhead are outraged with the news that the branch at 102 High Street will close its doors for the final time on July 11.
Mr Ross said: "It beggars belief that Bank of Scotland are to close in Forres. It is absolutely outrageous given that TSB are already planning to close their branch in the town.
"If Bank of Scotland press ahead, residents and businesses will have no bank at all. That is totally unacceptable and a dereliction of duty to loyal customers."
He added: "Many of these customers, particularly our elderly and vulnerable local residents, will be hugely anxious.
"Broadband and mobile connections are not reliable in remote parts of Moray so online services are no substitute for a local branch, and many customers still prefer carrying out banking services face-to-face.
"On top of that, local businesses rely on having a bank open nearby to deposit their cash each day. They would now face the prospect of having to travel miles away just to deposit their takings."
Mr Ross and Mr Lochhead are now seeking talks with Bank of Scotland to call on them to re-think.
Mr Lochhead said: "Bank of Scotland’s announcement will come as a huge blow and leave many without access to much needed services. We’re getting to the point where Elgin is the only place left with branches open, which is a ridiculous situation.
"It seems the rules in place to ensure communities have access to cash aren’t worth much if banks are allowed to go ahead and close the last bank in a town like Forres."
Bank of Scotland claim they are merely responding to changing customers' needs. The bank points out that 74 per cent of customers already use other ways of banking, such as over the phone or internet banking, as well as other branches.
Personal and business banking customers can withdraw money or check balances, as well as pay in cheques and money to their account at any Post Office branch.
The nearest free to use ATM can also be found at McColl’s, also on High Street.
