Stromness bank set to close

The Royal Bank of Scotland has confirmed its Stromness branch will close in August.

A spokesperson said: “We have taken the difficult decision to close the RBS Stromness branch on August 19, 2015.

“We will ensure there are a number of alternative ways for people in the area to continue to bank with us. We have reached an agreement with the local Post Office, which is 0.05 miles away from the branch, so that our customers can check their balance, deposit and withdraw funds, and business customers can get coinage. There is also one free-to-use ATM within one mile of the branch.”

The statement went on to say: “The number of transactions taking place at RBS Stromness branch has dropped by 37 per cent since 2011 and only 21 customers use the branch on a regular weekly basis. Eleven of these customers already use other branches in the area.

“We are writing to all of our customers who use the branch well in advance of the closure date, and will also display posters in the branch throughout this period of time.”

The spokesperson added: “We will work hard to engage with all of our customers, local businesses and the wider local community between now and the closure date to ensure they are aware of the alternative ways of accessing their banking with us in the local area, and to answer any questions they might have.

“We are committed to following the UK Government protocol on branch closures, and we have made the decision following careful consideration of a wide range of factors including branch usage and the alternative ways our customers can bank with us locally.”