Virgin Money have announced that they are to close three branches in the Highlands at Oban, Portree and Wick.
Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said: “This is extremely disappointing news. This closure will mean that Virgin Money’s Portree customers will be left without a branch within reasonable distance and will be forced to either move bank or travel to Fort William, over 100 miles and nearly 3 hours drive away."
“As a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Economy Committee, I have consistently made the case for the need to retain our bank branch network in rural areas like the Highlands and Islands, and have highlighted the disproportionate impact closures have because of the lack of convenient, or even feasible, alternatives."
“It’s sad that these considerations seem to have so little weight with the people making these decisions, and I will be raising my concerns with Virgin Money and making clear just how important these local services – and the jobs they support – are to my constituents.”
