Bank of Scotland Faces Criticism as Alexandria and Helensburgh Branches Set to Close
Bank of Scotland has recently announced the closure of several branches across the UK, including the branches in Alexandria and Helensburgh. The decision has been met with backlash, with MSP Jackie Baillie condemning the move as “unfathomable.” The closures are set to take place in March 2026, leaving both towns without permanent bank branches.
The Alexandria and Helensburgh branches are among 14 branches scheduled to shut down between May and March 2026. This move will not only affect Bank of Scotland customers but also impact Lloyds and Halifax customers, as a total of 136 branches from these banking giants are set to close. The decision comes as more customers are opting for digital banking options, such as mobile apps and telephone banking.
In response to the criticism, a spokeswoman for Lloyds Banking Group highlighted that customers still have various alternatives to access banking services, including visiting community bankers, using other branches, or utilising the Post Office’s services. Despite these options, local residents and officials have expressed concerns about the impact on the communities, especially considering the closure of other bank branches in the area.
MSP Jackie Baillie emphasised the importance of maintaining access to counter banking services for customers who rely on in-person assistance for their banking needs. She has pledged to challenge Bank of Scotland on their decision and support the introduction of new banking hubs in Alexandria and Helensburgh to address the gap in cash access services.
The closures of the Bank of Scotland branches in Alexandria and Helensburgh represent a significant change for both towns, as they will lose essential local services. The push for banking hubs with ATM facilities aims to ensure that residents can still access necessary banking services in the absence of physical branches. This situation highlights the ongoing shift towards digital banking and the challenges faced by traditional banking institutions in adapting to changing customer preferences and needs.