Lloyds faces anger over BoS branch opening hours

Lloyds Banking Group was today set to face fresh questioning over its decision to reduce opening hours at some of its rural Scottish branches.

Lloyds, led by Antonio Horta-Osario, faces questions over branch opening times. Picture: Robert Perry

The move to cut hours at a number of branches of Bank of Scotland, including in Bonar Bridge in Sutherland, is being contested by local campaigners who have warned of the possible impact on older customers and tourism.

The Lloyds-owned lender has said it is making the move due to an increase in online banking services and lower footfall at the branches.

Campaigner Michael Baird, who shares a front door with the bank in Bonar Bridge, was due to raise the matter with Lloyds’ management at today’s annual shareholder meeting in Edinburgh.

Meanwhile, chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio’s salary is unlikely to be a major bone of contention at the annual meeting, amid a period which has thrown a spotlight on directors’ salaries. His overall pay package fell last year.