Bank of Scotland - Closure of the Dingwall Branch

Garve and District Community Council

Added at 13:20 on 27 September 2025

Thank you to those who have been in touch regarding the disappointing announcement that the Bank of Scoltand in Dingwall has been earmarked for closure. 
This is not something which the bank entered into any consultation on locally and they have stated it is happening on 25th March 2026.

In view of this we have written, to add our voice along with others, to register our community dissatisfaction.

I am writing on behalf of Garve and District Community Council to express our concern at the news that the Bank of Scotland intends to close its branch in Dingwall. While we have not received formal correspondence on this matter, it has been brought to our attention through our community, and we feel it is important to register our deep dismay at this decision.
For many residents in our area, Dingwall represents the nearest in-person banking service, and the loss of this branch will significantly reduce access to essential facilities. A large proportion of our population is elderly or vulnerable and relies on face-to-face banking. These customers are neither comfortable nor confident using online banking or mobile apps, and for some, digital alternatives are simply not viable due to poor connectivity, affordability, or physical limitations such as impaired vision.
We are aware that banks often cite Access to Cash Reviews when taking such decisions. However, in practice, this offers little reassurance to communities such as ours. Rural residents have already witnessed the fragility of these systems when ATMs run out of cash, Post Offices are closed, or digital payment networks fail. These events leave people unable to access their own money or pay for essential goods. The reliance on a patchwork of alternatives is not a substitute for proper branch services.
As a rural community, we are far less resilient to the withdrawal of in-person services than urban areas. The closure of Dingwall branch will not only disadvantage individuals but risks further undermining local businesses and community life. We believe the Bank of Scotland has a duty of social responsibility to its customers, particularly in rural areas where choice is limited.
We therefore urge the Bank of Scotland to reconsider the decision to close the Dingwall branch. At the very least, we call for meaningful engagement with affected communities to find solutions that protect residents’ access to cash and banking services. Are you planning operate a mobile banking service for example?
We look forward to your response on these points.

It really seems as though this is a done deal unfortunately, {the bank have already produced this advice document - https://bit.ly/BoS-Closure-Dingwall }  but we will keep you posted should we receive a reply.