Murdo Fraser MSP has asked the Bank of Scotland to reconsider closing their branch in Blairgowrie.
The Scottish Conservative politician recently met representatives from Lloyd’s/Bank of Scotland and during their conversation, he asked if they would consider looking again at their plan to close the Blairgowrie branch on June 18.
The move has met with disapproval by a cross-section of local politicians.
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “I recently met with a senior official of Lloyd’s/Bank of Scotland and put the case for retaining the Bank of Scotland branch in Blairgowrie. It will be a huge loss to the community, especially for elderly residents.
“The Bank of Scotland said that a lack of footfall was instrumental in their decision to close the branch, as people move towards mobile and digital banking. However, there is still a need for a local bank branch for older people and local businesses.
“If this branch does close, it means the nearest branch is in Perth, a trip of 15 miles, and many of these residents would have to use public transport to travel there. We have already seen Bank of Scotland branches closed in Dunkeld, Crieff and Pitlochry.
“Local bank branches play an important role in communities, and that is why I have asked the bank to reconsider their decision.”
