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MSPs have raised the forthcoming closure of Larkhall’s last remaining bank at Holyrood as politicians from all parties outlined their opposition to the loss of local branches across the country. Constituency representative Davy Russell says the January closure of the Bank of Scotland on Union Street will be “to the detriment of thousands of constituents and hundreds of businesses” and says banks should be compelled to remain in local communities. Meghan Gallacher, the Central Scotland member, also highlighted the impact on residents in Larkhall and the surrounding areas and told how a petition opposing the cuts started by ward councillor Richard Nelson has reached more than 500 signatures. Both were speaking in a Scottish Parliament debate noting the forthcoming Bank of Scotland closures across the country and discussing “the failure to properly consult with customers and local businesses”, as well as expressing concern about “the fragile future of rural banking” and asking for support for communities from Link and Cash Access UK. Mr Russell said: “Larkhall will be losing its high street bank to the detriment of thousands of constituents and hundreds of businesses. That loss will have the biggest impact on the most vulnerable in society, especially the elderly, who are most dependent on in-person services. “In my interactions with the Bank of Scotland and Link, I was disappointed by their lack of compassion and understanding. Even when I proved to them that their assessment was wrong, they just shrugged their shoulders.” He said banks “are abandoning Scotland’s high streets and semi-rural towns, putting shareholders and personal bonuses in front of long-standing customers” – calling it “morally bankrupt” and adding: “Banks should be compelled to keep existing branches open and to serve the community.” The Labour MSP also hit out at the assessment of cash access organisation Link that no banking hub is required in Larkhall following the closure, and has met with Bank of Scotland officials about the impact of Larkhall being “without a high street bank” after the closure on January 8. Mr Russell told the Hamilton Advertiser: “The decision by the Bank of Scotland to abandon its customers in Larkhall is a disgrace; they have a moral obligation and responsibility to customers to remain in Larkhall and be part of a thriving local community and economic centre for tens of thousands of my constituents.” He added: “Larkhall is open for business; with a new generation of housing being built, and a fantastic local school full of young people ready to work and earn and save, Larkhall is a sure thing for this generation and generations to come.” Conservative member Ms Gallacher told how residents attending a busy and “very productive” public meeting about the bank closure raised issues including increased travel to the remaining Hamilton branch, especially for those without transport or with caring responsibilities. She called bank branches “the focal point of our communities” and said: “It is the perception of local people that banks are deciding on their behalf how customers should bank, and that is simply not acceptable. “Banking groups will lose custom if they continue to close branches as people have had enough of being forced to go digital by going cashless. I back the need to investigate solutions to ensure that Scotland does not become a banking desert. “In my view, few or no impact assessments have been carried out on deprivation, digital exclusion or proximity to the nearest local branch. Councillor Nelson has since written to Lloyds Banking Group asking for the decision to be reviewed – I back his calls and will continue to work with him and the local community to overturn the decision.” She also invited Mr Russell to sign and share the petition; and added of the calls for establishment of a banking hub: “It will come as no surprise to members in the chamber that, again, a banking hub for Larkhall has been refused.” The Larkhall branch of Bank of Scotland is one of 13 across the country which will close in 2026, along with the Bellshill branch; with customers being directed to branches at Hamilton and Motherwell or to banking hubs in Carluke and Cambuslang. Bank officials say they are engaging with the community to provide information and support, with a spokesperson saying: “The way people are banking has changed, as many customers are managing their money through our app. “We’re providing more choice than ever before, bringing together the best in digital convenience with our people. Alongside our app, customers can visit a banking hub or the Post Office for their everyday banking and deposit cash at over 3000 PayPoint locations across Scotland.” Cash access organisation Link completed assessments in both Larkhall and Bellshill before the bank closures were announced, but declared following a visit to the area that no further hubs or provision were required because “our assessment shows there are already cash access services and facilities within a one-mile radius which are suitable for the needs of the local area, or the deficiency does not cause a significant impact on the local area”. A spokesperson for Link told the Hamilton Advertiser: “Link operates a robust, independent and regulated assessment process to identify where additional cash services may be needed following bank branch closures. In Larkhall, both residents and local businesses continue to have access to cash through the Post Office and ATM network.” * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook ? Head on over and give us a like and share!
