A major bank has pledged to remain in a north-east town after a number of other firms announced they would close their branches.
Earlier this year both RBS and Clydesdale Bank announced they wanted to close their Stonehaven branches, meaning customers may have to travel to Aberdeen if they need in-branch services.
The news sparked a public outcry and also led to fears that the town’s other banks might follow suit.
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However following an appeal from Mearns MSP Mairi Evans, the Bank of Scotland has confirmed it has no plans to close its Market Square branch.
Ms Evans said: “Our rural communities have been hit hard in recent years with bank closures, making it increasingly difficult for people to access that vital ‘face-to-face’ interaction that so many complex banking issues require.
“Stonehaven has had it particularly bad with the news Clydesdale and RBS delivered earlier this year.
“Whilst I understand that more and more people are doing their day-to-day banking online, this isn’t always possible for some customers.”
Clydesdale announced in January it planned to close branches in Stonehaven, Aboyne, Banff, Mintlaw, Fraserburgh and North Esplanade West in Aberdeen would shut.
Meanwhile, RBS revealed in March that it was pulling the plug on its outlets in Stonehaven, Westhill and Banchory.
RBS has promised it will provide a mobile banking service on certain days in the Mearns town but this has been branded inadequate by opponents of the decision.
Ms Evans added: “Complex banking transactions, such as mortgage applications, often require more detail and many small local businesses rely on having a local bank to deposit cash.
“Transport in many rural areas is limited and not everyone has access to high-speed broadband so I’m pleased that the Bank of a Scotland have all shown a desire to retain their Stonehaven branch in their responses to my letter.”
