SNP plan '˜day of action' to save RBS branches

The SNP has planned a national 'day of action' as part of a campaign to prevent RBS branch closures.
The bank announced plans to close 62 branches, but has since granted a reprieve for 10. Picture: Michael GillenThe bank announced plans to close 62 branches, but has since granted a reprieve for 10. Picture: Michael Gillen
The bank announced plans to close 62 branches, but has since granted a reprieve for 10. Picture: Michael Gillen
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The bank announced plans to close 62 branches across Scotland, but has since granted a reprieve for 10 premises.

Those branches - most of which are in communities where there is no other branch for several miles - will stay open until the end of 2018, with an independent review carried out into whether they remain open long-term.

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The SNP said the move did not go nearly far enough, and has vowed to continue the campaign to keep the remaining banks open.

SNP politicians and community campaigners will gather in towns across the country on March 10 to collect petition signatures.

The party’s Westminster leader Ian Blackford said: “After huge pressure from the SNP and community campaigners, RBS announced a reprieve for 10 local branches - but our fight to save the remaining banks continues.

“The SNP national day of action is aimed at keeping the pressure up on RBS.

“They have shown they are willing to listen - but their damaging and misguided plans to continue with the closure of 52 branches across Scotland are completely unacceptable and must be challenged.”

The RBS branches remaining open until at least the end of the year are in Biggar, Beauly, Castlebay/Barra, Comrie, Douglas, Gretna, Inveraray, Melrose, Kyle and Tongue.