Bank of Scotland Shuts Lochgilphead Branch, Leaving Customers 37 Miles From Nearest Bank
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 21
Bank of Scotland Shuts Lochgilphead Branch, Leaving Customers 37 Miles From Nearest Bank
1 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 21
Summary
Lochgilphead lost its last bank branch, forcing customers such as 84-year-old Maggie Dodd to travel 37.2 miles to Oban or switch to the post office.
Lloyds said the branch was no longer viable because most customers prefer online banking, but residents say elderly users fear scams and struggle with digital services.
Local businesses say the closure creates practical risks: card payments and cash machines can fail, while shops may face higher insurance costs if they must hold cash longer.
The post office can handle some banking, but its sub-postmaster said limits on withdrawals, deposits and cheques mean it cannot replace a full branch.
The closure fits a wider retreat in Scotland, where Which? says 742 branches have shut since 2015; Lochgilphead is one of 28 Bank of Scotland closures this year as the UK reviews face-to-face banking access.