TSB has announced it will close 73 branches in Scotland as the Bank continues to implement the three-year strategy it announced in November 2019.
The changes have been driven by a significant change in customer behaviour, including a reduction in the numbers using branches and a significant acceleration in digital adoption.
Branches earmarked for closure have been selected to ensure 94% of TSB customers in Scotland remain within 20 minutes travel time of a branch.
When these closures are complete TSB will operate the third largest network in Scotland and will have 20% of its national UK network based in Scotland compared to the industry average of 14%.
Each TSB branch will serve an average of 17,000 customers, which is in line with the industry average.
TSB will introduce around 50 mobile advisors in some rural communities to deliver face-to-face support for existing TSB customers on basic banking queries and organise further support for them.
Robin Bulloch, Customer Banking Director at TSB, said:
“These decisions are the most difficult we take, but we must always be guided by our customers – and we are clearly witnessing a substantial shift towards digital banking.
“We operate a more extensive branch network than most other banks in Scotland, including some much larger than TSB, and we need to reduce its size to reflect the changing needs of our customers and a fast-evolving operational environment.
“TSB remains committed to offering high quality banking services in branches across Scotland.
“We are also introducing mobile advisers to ensure we look after vulnerable customers and those in rural locations.
“We are working to ensure the transition towards digital – which is being seen right across the economy – is handled sensitively and pragmatically for our colleagues and customers.”
Over the next two years, TSB will continue to invest in its 62 remaining Scottish branches to radically improve the customer experience.
This includes providing its branch staff with industry-leading training, accredited by the Chartered Banker Institute, to help customers with the more complex needs they now use branches for and improve their money confidence.
In addition to the national branch network, TSB is further enhancing its partnership with the Post Office including adding the ability to deposit and withdraw using a card, for both business and personal customers, and collect coin change from pre-agreed locations.
Alongside this, TSB is pleased to be partnering with G4S Cash Solutions to set up a cash collection service for business customers.
In Scotland, around 300 branch-related jobs will be affected.
Reflecting changing customer behaviours, TSB created 100 new IT roles earlier this year at its tech hub in Edinburgh to meet soaring demand for the bank’s digital services.
Across the UK TSB is making an overall reduction of [969] roles, while 120 new operational roles are being created meaning there will be an overall net reduction of 849 roles.
Changes are being made across the branch network, and in mortgages and Customer Service Operations teams.
Where possible, role reductions will come through voluntary redundancy and TSB is implementing a comprehensive training programme to support those leaving the business find future roles.
TSB has consulted with its recognised unions Accord and Unite.
List of branches closing:
Aberdeen, Culter
Aberdeen, Dyce
Aberdeen, Kincorth
Aberdeen, Mannofield
Aberdeen, St Machar
Aberdeen, Torry
Aboyne
Alexandra
Alford
Anstruther
Banchory
Bathgate
Bearsden
Berwick-upon-tweed
Blairgowrie
Bo’ness
Broxburn
Buckhaven
Bucksburn
Burntisland
Campbelltown
Carnoustie
Castle Douglas
Coatbridge
Coupar Angus
Cowdenbeath
Crieff
Cumnock
Cupar
Dalkeith
Dingwall
Dundee, Craigiebank
Dundee, Lochee
Dunoon
Edinburgh, Costorphine
Edinburgh, Gorgie
Edinburgh, Pilton
Girvan
Glasgow, Anniesland
Glasgow, Dennistoun
Glasgow, Drumchapel
Glasgow, Easterhouse
Glasgow, Partick
Glasgow, Springburn
Grangemouth
Grantown-on-Spey
Hawick
Helensburgh
Huntly
Insch
Johnstone
Kelso
Kilbirnie
Kilsyth
Kirkaldy, Templehall
Largs
Larkhall
Lochgilphead
Montrose
Nairn
North Berwick
Peebles
Penicuik
Pitlochry
Port Glasgow
Prestwick
Renfrew
Rosyth
Rothesay
Saltcoats
Thornliebank
Turriff
Wick
