The Bank of Scotland has permanently closed 28 walk-in branches in 2026, a move driven by a shift towards online banking and a decline in footfall. The Edinburgh-headquartered firm, established in 1695, is the oldest bank in the country and serves around 28 million members.
Reason for the closures
Information on the Bank of Scotland website confirms the move followed a rise in online banking, with many members now using the digital app on a regular basis. This has led to a decline in footfall and in the number of customers requiring in-store services.
In June alone, 10 branches were closed as a result of the change in habits, with Stonehaven, Grangemouth, Hawick and Kelso among those affected. Branch documents explaining the closures and alternative options were sent out to customers, and updates were provided in the affected branches, allowing anyone to ask questions.
As of writing, the closures have officially finished, with the final on the list being the Grangemouth branch on 24 La Porte Precinct, which closed on Thursday, October 8.
Documents explaining the closure for this town read: "Before we close any branch, we look at how customers are doing their banking. Most customers prefer to use our mobile app, online banking or call us.
"Because of this, we'll be closing our Grangemouth branch. We’ll explain more about how we made our decision on the following pages."
Alternative banking methods
The closures have led many customers and MPs to raise concerns about alternative banking methods in their area. While the digital app presents an easy and convenient method for many, it might not be suitable for everyone.
Customers can check if there is another Bank of Scotland branch nearby that has not closed down. They can also head to any Post Office branch for everyday cash withdrawals, deposits and bill payments. Alternatively, customers with an account can visit any Lloyds or Halifax branch, as they are all owned by the same parent company, the Lloyds Banking Group Plc.
New Financial Conduct Authority rules also mean that access to cash had to be reviewed in each area where the Bank of Scotland made a closure, a process undertaken by LINK. This has led to the creation of 'Bank Hubs' as an alternative option for customers.
These are shared community spaces in the local area, owned by the Cash Access Network UK. Open from 9am to 5pm, they allow customers to do their everyday banking, such as withdrawing cash, cashing cheques and topping up electricity and gas meters.
Many areas in Scotland are set for, or have already received, a banking hub with an ATM, such as Hawick, Alexandria and Grangemouth. In other cases, assessments have found that no additional services were needed, as the necessary facilities are already in the area. The full list of banking hubs and alternative options can be found on LINK and the Cash Access Network.
Full list of Bank of Scotland closures
Bellshill - January 1; Larkhall - January 8; Erskine - January 13; Glasgow, 836 Crow Road - January 12; Tain - January 12; Gairloch - January 15; St Andrews - January 20; Naim - January 20; Castle Douglas - January 22; Alexandria - March 2; Annan - March 2; Bishopbriggs - March 4; Helensburgh - March 5; Dingwall - March 25; Penicuik - June 4; Glasgow, 187 Ballieston Road - June 4; Aberdeen, Ellon Road - June 10; Haddington - June 11; Rutherglen - June 11; Broughty Ferry - June 15; Blairgowrie - June 18; Stonehaven - June 18; Kelso - June 18; Lochgilphead - June 22; Balivanich - July 1; Largs - July 29; Hawick - October 7; Grangemouth - October 8.
