North-east politicians have demanded a summit with Clydesdale Bank bosses, amid plans to close 40 branches across Scotland.
SNP MPs have joined forces to fight the forthcoming closures, and have called for an urgent meeting with the company’s chief executive, David Duffy.
Angus Robertson, Eilidh Whiteford, Callum McCaig and Stuart Donaldson hope to persuade the bank into a U-turn which would save hundreds of Scottish jobs.
Mr Robertson, who is MP for Moray and SNP group leader at Westminster, highlighted the effect of closing branches in Buckie and Aberlour.
He said: “In the north-east, we have many unique challenges that will make banking difficult for local businesses, the elderly and disabled people if these branches close.
“The Aberlour branch is the last remaining bank in the whole of Speyside, and helps support a vibrant tourism industry.
“The Buckie harbour community is projected to grow alongside offshore wind developments, and local business banking couldn’t be more important to that.”
Ms Whiteford represents Banff and Buchan, where branches in Fraserburgh, Mintlaw and Banff are poised to shut in May.
She added: “Fraserburgh is the largest shellfish port in Europe, and the branches due to close in my constituency serve a vast rural area with a high proportion of agriculture businesses.
“The closure in Mintlaw is also worrying given it is the last bank to serve the village.”
Aberdeen South member, Mr McCaig, argued the closure of the city’s North Esplanade West bank would be “a disappointing blow” for the local economy.
Stuart Donaldson, who represents West Aberdeenshire, spoke out against closing venues in Stonehaven and Aboyne.
He added: “The Aboyne branch not only serves the people in that community, but also Ballater, Braemar and many other villages.”
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP, Paul Monaghan, is battling plans to axe the Thurso branch.
The closure means customers in the town have to travel 20 miles to Wick to carry out personal transactions.
Mr Monaghan said: “My primary concern is individuals losing their jobs, and the loyal customers who may not be able to deal with their business properly.”
Clydesdale management claimed the contentious move would create a better service overall, and pledged to find jobs for more than 200 affected employees “wherever possible”.
