SNP MSPs have demanded an urgent meeting with the Chief Executive of TSB after the shock announcement that the bank is to close 73 branches in Scotland and cut 300 jobs as part of wider UK cuts.

The closures, set to begin in early 2021, represent more than half of the TSB branches currently operating in Scotland.

A group of SNP MSPs have now written to the Chief Executive of TSB, calling for an urgent meeting to discuss the impact of these closures on local communities, and urge the bank to reverse its decision.

Kenneth Gibson MSP (pictured), who raised the closures at First Minister’s Questions, said:

“This is deeply concerning news, which will come as a shock to many who rely on their local TSB branch.

“Closing local bank branches amidst a global pandemic, when people need financial advice and support more than ever, is not just an inconvenience.

“Every one of these branches is hugely important to the community it serves.

“The threat of closure to a huge number of branches across the country will come as a shock to many who depend on a face-to-face service – but we are determined to fight to keep every one of them open.

“Alongside my SNP colleagues, I have requested an urgent meeting with the Chief Executive of TSB regarding the future of services in Scotland.

“TSB must urgently reverse their plans to close these branches.”