Bank of Scotland to Close 12 Branches This Month: Full List

The Bank of Scotland is set to close 12 branches across Scotland starting this month, as part of a broader trend of banking firms reducing their physical presence. The closures, which will continue until October 2026, affect various high streets and communities.

Closure Timeline

The first closure will occur on Wednesday, June 10, at the Bridge of Don branch in Aberdeen. Subsequent closures include Haddington and Rutherglen on June 11, followed by Broughty Ferry on June 15, and Blairgowrie, Stonehaven, and Kelso on June 18. Other locations such as Lochgilphead (June 22), Benbecula (July 1), Largs (July 29), Hawick (October 7), and Grangemouth (October 8) will also shut down. Two branches—Garrowhill and Penicuik—closed on June 4, bringing the total affected to 14 over the coming months.

Reasons for Closures

The bank attributes the closures to changing customer preferences, with more people using mobile banking apps and online services instead of visiting physical branches. In documents for each affected area, the bank stated: "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." This shift has led to reduced foot traffic in these locations.

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Alternative Banking Options

Customers affected by the closures can access banking services through the Bank of Scotland mobile app, which is described as "simple and safe to use." Additionally, they can use alternative cash machines, visit Post Offices, or go to Halifax or Lloyds branches in the same area, as these banks are part of the same parent company. The cash access network Link is reviewing access to cash in some locations, with results to be posted on its website. For Hawick, a banking hub will be established when its branch closes on October 7, offering shared banking services from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays. In Kelso, a community banker will visit after the branch closes on June 18 to provide support.

Broader Banking Trends

These closures are part of a wider trend across the UK. Recently, NatWest announced it would close six Royal Bank of Scotland branches in Scotland between September 8 and 17, including locations in Arbroath, Biggar, Castle Douglas, Giffnock, Milngavie, and Motherwell. However, NatWest stated that these would be its last closures for three years, pledging not to shut any more branches under its NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, or Ulster Bank brands until at least 2029. Lloyds and Halifax have also closed branches in England and Wales, though none in Scotland.