The Bank of Scotland has confirmed plans to close 13 branches next year, including two in Highland towns where no other banks remain.
Owner Lloyds Banking Group said the closures reflect changing customer habits, with more people now managing their finances online. The decision affects branches in Nairn and Dingwall, both the last remaining outlets in their respective towns.
A total of 11 branches will close between January and March, with a further two scheduled to close in October. Locations affected include:
- January 2026: Larkhall, Bellshill, Tain, Glasgow Anniesland, Erskine, Gairloch, Nairn, St Andrews, Castle Douglas
- March 2026: Dingwall, Largs
- October 2026: Hawick, Grangemouth
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, whose Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency includes the Dingwall and Nairn branches, urged the bank to reconsider.
“Dingwall is a regional hub that rural communities depend on for essential services. This planned closure is a real loss, especially for older residents, people with disabilities, and households without reliable internet access,” she said. “I have asked the Bank of Scotland to reconsider this decision. I hope they will work with the community to secure a sustainable solution that provides for the real needs of local people.”
Graham Leadbitter, SNP MP for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey, also criticised the move, calling it “deeply concerning”.
“The continued loss of banking services in communities right across the Highlands, and in my own constituency of Nairn, is deeply concerning. The Bank of Scotland are saying they have 43,000 customers in this constituency and they are going to leave one bank – which is the branch in Elgin. I cannot say I have a great deal of hope that they will change their course but you have to fight to keep these services.”
The Bank of Scotland said all staff at affected branches would be offered alternative roles elsewhere in the business.
A spokesperson added: “The way people are banking has changed as many customers are managing their money through our app. Alongside our app, customers can use any Bank of Scotland, Lloyds or Halifax branch, the Post Office or banking hubs for their everyday banking.”
The closures come as part of wider plans by Lloyds Banking Group to shut 26 Lloyds and 10 Halifax branches across the UK.
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