Renewed calls for a pause on Balivanich bank closure

I have renewed calls for Bank of Scotland to pause plans to close its Balivanich branch after a new survey reveals the importance of cash to the Highlands and Islands economy. 

This comes in the wake of new research published in the Herald, showing that fewer than 5% of people living in the Highlands and Islands support a cashless society. 

Commenting on the poll, I said: 

These findings echo my own views and those of my constituents: our local community needs access to full cash services, and to deny that right is to penalise them for their island location. That simply is not acceptable.” 

“Scotland has lost almost 70% of its bank and building society branches since 2015. That impact is felt right across rural Scotland, but here in our islands, the effect is more brutal still.” 

“What works in Edinburgh, does not work here, where the nearest alternative may be a day away by land and sea.” 

“This is a message I have campaigned on since the closure announcement, raising the issue in Parliament, with Ministers and with the bank itself.” 

Last month, the UK Government launched a major review of cash services after rural MPs raised concerns. 

The Review comes at a critical time for the people of Uist, who face the imminent closure of the Balivanich branch of the Bank of Scotland. 

I urge the community to make their views known ahead of the 20th July deadline: 

It is critical that island voices are heard. The quickest way to do that is to complete the online Smart Survey, but responses can also be sent by email to Accesstobankingservices@hmtreasury.gov.uk, or by writing to Access to Banking Services Review, Financial Services Group, 1st Floor, HM Treasury, 1 Horse Guards Road, London SW1A 2HQ.

If you need help to return your view, then please get in touch and a member of my team will be pleased to help.