Last week, the Bank of Scotland announced that it would be closing 13 branches in Scotland – including the loss of most major banks from rural towns. The bank will close eleven of their branches from January to March of 2026, with two more closures occurring in October of 2026. This ruling has sent shockwaves through the local elected community. Community members are concerned about its impact on the availability of banking services in their rural communities.
That includes branches in Larkhall, Belshill, Tain, Glasgow Anniesland and Erskine as well as others. Without help, they will close down their doors for good in January 2026. The Dingwall and Largs branches will do the same in March 2026. These closures will disproportionately impact communities that depend on these banking institutions for vital services.
Scottish government finance secretary, Kate Forbes, is reportedly incensed at the proposed raids on local residents. Her constituency covers the very last surviving branch rosters in Dingwall and Nairn.
“Dingwall is a regional hub that rural communities depend on for essential services,” – Kate Forbes
Graham Leadbitter, MP for Moray West, Nairn & Strathspey decided to echo Forbes’. He then vigorously made the case for the Bank of Scotland to reverse its decision. Above all, he brought home the real emotional and economic damage that is done when communities throughout the Highlands are cut off from desperately needed banking services.
“The continued loss of banking services in communities right across the Highlands, and in my own constituency of Nairn, is deeply concerning.” – Graham Leadbitter
The closures come as millions of customers have started using more digital banking tools for their banking needs. A spokesperson for the Bank of Scotland acknowledged this trend, stating, “The way people are banking has changed as many customers are managing their money through our app.” As local leaders contend, not all of their constituents have widespread access to or are comfortable using digital banking alternatives.
Closing these branches raises some key questions. How will rural communities be served by these essential financial services in the future? Today, the final banks in Dingwall and Nairn have shuttered their doors. In turn, residents will find it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities without taking long-distance trips.
