Graham Leadbitter MP has called on the Bank of Scotland to reconsider its decision to close its Nairn branch, a move that would leave the town with no physical bank at all.
The Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey MP met with bank representatives this week to raise community concerns and urge a more flexible solution.
The Nairn branch is currently the last in the area, and its closure would mean residents, including older people and local businesses would have to travel long distances to access in-person services.
Leadbitter said the loss of the branch would be a heavy blow to a community that has already adapted to reduced banking options.
“This is the kind of community that needs a physical bank presence the most, and it should have one,” he said.
“To close the branch now, the last bank in the area and one people have come to rely on as a result of there being no others, would be a betrayal of the trust and custom of the local community.”
During the meeting, Leadbitter pressed the Bank of Scotland to consider alternatives, including the creation of a shared Banking Hub in the town.
He also raised concerns that closure could overload the local Post Office, which often becomes the fallback option for essential services.
“When changes to service provisions come around it’s almost always at the detriment of rural communities,” he said.
“That isn’t acceptable or tolerable and I hope they’ll take that on board and reconsider this closure.”
Banking Hubs are shared spaces used by multiple providers, offering core services and in-person support, often in partnership with the Post Office and local stakeholders.
Leadbitter said he was committed to working with all parties to keep essential banking access in Nairn.
