CRAIG Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, has recently met with representatives from the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) regarding the closure of their Tranent branch on a virtual call.
The South Scotland MSP expressed regret over the bank’s closure as the last bank in the town, with the nearest banks following the closure being located in Musselburgh and Haddington.
For those unable to move online, personal and business finance services can be supplied at the Post Office in Tranent, including cash withdrawals, cash deposits, payment of cheques and checking of balance, however the cashing of cheques are required to be attended in a branch. The bank closure follows a drop in transactions due to increasing use of digital banking services by RBS customers. RBS financial advice services have migrated on to the RBS app, website and can be conducted by phone for those with accessibility issues.
The branch will close permanently on 27 July 2023 and RBS will be hosting a pop-up in Tranent for 12 weeks following the closure. All staff at the bank have been retained by RBS, with no compulsory redundancies.
Craig Hoy MSP commented: “It is regrettable that Tranent’s last bank is set to close on 27 July, however I have sought reassurance that many of the services already supplied by the branch will continue to be available for local people. I am also relieved that no staff members have lost their jobs as a result of the closure.
A NatWest spokesperson said: “As with many industries, most of our customers are shifting to mobile and online banking, because it’s faster and easier for people to manage their financial lives.”
"We understand and recognise that digital solutions aren’t right for everyone or every situation, and that when we close branches we have to make sure that no one is left behind.
"We take our responsibility seriously to support the people who face challenges in moving online, so we are investing to provide them with support and alternatives that work for them.”
