CRAIG Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, and Councillor Donna Collins have launched a campaign for the Bank of Scotland to reverse their decision to close their branch in the town.
The Bank of Scotland have announced the branch on 21st May 2024, meaning that Dunbar will be left with no banks.
For customers living in and around Dunbar following the closure it will mean a trip to either North Berwick or Haddington to undertake any in person banking.
The announcement comes despite the large amount of housing growth that has already taken place in the town and surrounding areas with further development planned.
It also continues a trend over the past decade of bank’s closing branches in East Lothian:
- RBS East Linton - June 25, 2014
- RBS Longniddry - June 25, 2014
- Clydesdale Bank Haddington – July 24, 2014
- RBS Prestonpans - August 9, 2016
- TSB Tranent - June 17, 2017
- Bank of Scotland Gullane - October 18, 2017
- RBS Dunbar – 2018
- RBS North Berwick – 2018
- TSB Dunbar – May 6, 2020
- TSB North Berwick – Jan 2021
- Virgin Money Musselburgh – 2022
The decision will negatively impact individuals, local businesses and community groups in Dunbar and the surrounding area.
They call on the Bank of Scotland to reverse its ill-considered decision and therefore retain the last remaining bank branch in Dunbar.
Raising his concerns, Craig Hoy MSP said: “It is deeply regrettable that the Bank of Scotland are looking to close their last remaining branch in Dunbar. Given the strongly felt view within the local community for the need for banking services for those who cannot access online services, I have organised this campaign with Councillor Donna Collins to call on the Bank of Scotland to reverse this decision.”
Dunbar and East Linton Councillor Donna Collins said: “Banking services have been severely diminished in my ward with the closure of RBS branches in East Linton and Dunbar followed by TSB and now the Bank of Scotland. Residents have already been in contact with me to express their frustration and upset at the planned closure, so I am keen to engage with banking groups to retain services in the community.”
