Thursday January 19th 2017
The Clydesdale bank branch at 102 High Street, Dalkeith
Written by editor, Phil Bowen
Clydesdale Bank has said that it’s Dalkeith branch is to close in April as it announces a number of branch closures across Scotland.
The bank has said that there is an ongoing decline in branch usage, married to a sharp and sustained increase in digital and mobile engagement, which has driven a shift to providing greater access to day-to-day banking services remotely, on the move and outside of normal business hours.
Gavin Opperman, Customer Banking Director, Clydesdale Bank, said:
“While the decision to close any branch is never an easy one, it is important that we, in line with other banks operating in the UK market, continue to respond to changes in the way customers want to bank with us.
“The changes announced continue our journey towards a model that combines an enhanced digital platform with a right sized branch network; allowing customers to interact with us through a wide range of channels – mobile, online, telephone, in-branch – whenever and however they want.”
The Bank said it will be working with customers to support them through the change. The nearest Clydesdale branch to Dalkeith is Musselburgh although customers can also continue to manage their accounts at the Post Office and use the ATM network,
In total 40 Clydesdale branches are to close across Scotland. The closures will affect approximately 200 staff who will either be redeployed or be at risk of redundancy.
The bank’s sister bank Yorkshire Bank has alos announced 39 branch closures south of the border.
Colin Beattie, MSP for the Midlothian North and Musselburgh constituency, condemned the forthcoming closure of the Clydesdale Bank branch in Dalkeith. Mr. Beattie said:
“It is unacceptable that the closest branch will now be Musselburgh. This will be an inconvenience to customers, particularly elderly ones. A trip to Musselburgh would cause real problems to customers of the bank who have mobility issues or who do not have access to transportation.”
Gordon Henderson, senior development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said:
“This is bad news for Dalkeith town centre where bank branches create footfall and support the local economy.”
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