Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife Councillor Ann Cowan, Scottish Conservative Councillor Strathearn have expressed concern for the local economy in Crieff following news that the Royal Bank of Scotland has announced it is to close its branch in Crieff.The announcement by RBS comes following significant difficulties the Royal Bank of Scotland branch has faced operating their James Square branch which is located beside the closed former Drummond Arms Hotel.Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said:“The news that the Royal Bank of Scotland is to close its branch in Crieff is very bad news for Crieff and will clearly impact on the local economy.“The circumstances which have led to the Royal Bank of Scotland having to make this decision give cause for concern given that the Bank has been put into a situation where, due to Perth & Kinross Council not enforcing a Serious Disrepair Notice or compulsory purchase order on the owners of the Drummond Arms Hotel, the branch has become unsuitable. It would seem that the Royal Bank of Scotland have tried to seek a solution to keep the branch open against the odds.“I alongside my colleague Councillor Ann Cowan, will be seeking an urgent meeting with RBS Management to try to find a seek a way forward and change the bank’s mind to try to find a positive solution which may change their mind and persuade them to stay in Crieff.”Councillor Ann Cowan, Scottish Conservative Councillor Strathearn Ward on Perth & Kinross Council said:“This is another major blow for Crieff High Street and will impact on the many residents whom bank locally with the Royal Bank of Scotland. “The Drummond Arms Hotel has been in an unacceptable state of disrepair over a long period of time and it has proved extremely difficult for Perth & Kinross Council officials to seek action against the owners. “Perth & Kinross Council has made approaches to RBS regarding alternative premises in Crieff which I had hoped would have proved suitable. “I am very disappointed that it has come to this point and hope that a last minute solution can be found to keep a Royal Bank of Scotland branch in Crieff.”