Further bank closures in Scotland bad news for older customers

Commenting on Lloyds Banking Group announcing plans to shut 15 of its Bank of Scotland branches across Scotland, Brian Sloan, Age Scotland Chief Executive, said:

“We’re very sad to see Lloyds follow other banks and put profits ahead of its loyal customers, especially those who are older, disabled or don’t have internet access.

“There’s no doubt this will make it harder for tens of thousands of people to access their cash and manage their money on a daily basis. This is part of a slow, relentless march, pushing customers online whether they like it or not, and leading to banking deserts across Scotland.

“We know older people are more likely to rely on physical branches and prefer a face-to-face service. Seven in 10 over-65s don’t use digital banking at all, and more than half of Scottish people aged 80 and above never use the internet.

“We know banking is changing, but have urged banks to consider creative alternatives instead of leaving vulnerable customers behind. One option could be shared branches, with several banks splitting the costs between them and offering additional services, advice and support.”

ENDS

Note to editors

The following list of bank branches in Scotland have been earmarked for closure:

Bank of Scotland:
Edinburgh Dalry Road
Edinburgh Greenside
Edinburgh Liberton
Edinburgh Tollcross
Galston
Loanhead
Tullos, Aberdeen
Livingstone
Grantown-on-Spey
Turriff
Huntly
Balfron
Kinross
Killin
Auchterarder