Bank Closures will "Decimate Communities"

A series of bank closures will "decimate communities" in the Kingdom, according to a union.

Unite says the Royal Bank of Scotland must reconsider its decision to shut up shop in Aberdour, Crail, Elie, Kelty and Newburgh.

The 79% taxpayer-owned bank closed outlets in four other Fife towns, including in East Wemyss, Lundin Links, Markinch and Thornton.

Marie Kiernan, regional organiser at the union, says online banking doesn't offer a full enough service:

A spokesperson for RBS said it had made the decision "following careful consideration of a wide range of factors" including branch usage and the alternative ways customers can bank locally.

“Our customers are increasingly using alternative ways to bank with them such as online and mobile banking." They added.

“We are writing to all of our customers who use the branch, as well as displaying posters in branch to let them know of the closure.

“Between now and the closure date, we will engage with all of our customers, local businesses and the wider local community to make sure they are aware of the alternative ways of accessing their banking with us in the local area, and to answer any questions they might have.”