New shared banking hubs to open up across four locations in Scotland

A further four locations in Scotland have been selected for shared banking hubs in areas where the last branch closed.

This brings the total number of banking hubs in the UK to 25, with 10 more due to open their doors within the coming months.

It comes after a number of branch closures raised concerns about access to cash for those who need it, and difficulties for small businesses trying to deposit takings.

The new Scottish hubs will be in Brechin in Angus, Forres in Moray, Carluke in Lanarkshire, Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway.

At the hubs, run by the Post Office, customers of any bank can access their accounts, deposit cash and cheques, and withdraw money at any time.

Douglas Ross, MP for Moray, says he is “absolutely delighted” that plans have been announced to create a banking hub in Forres as elderly customers need to be able to carry out banking activities in their “home community”.

Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “I am absolutely delighted to get the confirmation that Forres will be one of the communities where a Banking Hub will be set up.

“A town and community the size of Forres should never been disgracefully abandoned like they have been in recent years by major banking branches. What was worse was that these bosses clearly were not interested in the concerns of loyal customers and could not be bothered to come to Forres to hear from them.

“I was determined to find a solution for elderly and vulnerable customers in Forres in particular who need access to banking services on their doorstep, as well as businesses who want to be able to deposit cash and takings where they’re based.

“I have engaged positively and constructively with LINK and Access to Cash since the Bank of Scotland announced plans to shut their branch in Forres. I was keen to ensure plans were developed as quickly as possible for a banking hub and to make the strongest possible case for Forres to be one of the communities to be served by a Banking Hub.

“These hubs have proved very successful elsewhere so far and I am confident we will see the same in Forres. I will continue to engage closely with LINK and Access to Cash as well as local community campaigners to ensure that a suitable location can be found for this hub, and that it meets the needs of customers in the town.

“This is a very positive step forward for the future of banking services in Forres and I look forward to these plans developing at pace in the coming weeks and months.”