Bank of Scotland Dingwall Branch Closure Reply

Garve and District Community Council

Added at 03:50 on 03 December 2025

We had to chase a reply from the Lloyds Bank Group.
The response to our email regarding the planned closure of the Dingwall Bank of Scotland branch is the pasted verbatim 

"I’m sorry for the delay in replying to you – please accept my sincere apologies.

I appreciate you sharing these views and we understand the strength of feeling this decision has generated, particularly given the branch’s role in serving rural communities.

We fully understand that in-person banking remains important for some customers, especially those who are older, living with disabilities, or without reliable internet. While more customers now choose to manage their finances online or by phone, we are committed to ensuring that communities continue to have access to essential banking and cash services.

Our decision to close the Dingwall branch was not taken lightly. It followed a detailed review of how customers are using the branch, which showed that the majority are already using alternative options such as other Bank of Scotland branches, online banking, telephone banking, and the Post Office for everyday transactions. Dingwall also benefits from free-to-use ATMs and PayPoint locations, which allow cash deposits of up to £300 per day using our mobile app or debit card. Most PayPoint outlets are open seven days a week, early until late, providing convenient access for many customers.

To maintain face-to-face support, we are working closely with LINK and Cash Access UK. Following LINK’s independent review, a recommendation was made for Dingwall, and arrangements are now underway to introduce a new assisted cash service. This will provide in-person support for everyday transactions such as cash withdrawals and deposits. We will share further details with the community once plans are finalised.

We also offer additional help for customers who find digital banking challenging. This includes free digital skills training via our specialist helpline and, where eligible, a free tablet with a data allowance to help customers get started. For those who prefer telephone banking, we have invested heavily in this service, introducing features like ‘your voice is your password’ to make it easier and more secure for customers with vulnerabilities to bank from home. Our website also includes British Sign Language translation, and we provide Easy Read bank statements for customers who need them.

While the way people bank is changing, we remain committed to supporting customers in Dingwall and ensuring they have convenient and reliable options to manage their money. I hope this provides reassurance of our commitment to the community during this transition.

Thank you again for raising these concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like further information."


In reply, we wrote;-

"Thank you for your reply

Please tell us more about this;- 
"We also offer additional help for customers who find digital banking challenging. This includes free digital skills training via our specialist helpline and, where eligible, a free tablet with a data allowance to help customers get started."

This is something that those in need and qualifying would need to avail of and have in place before the branch closes;- so that they will experience no interruptions or difficulties after the branch closes. What is the eligibility criteria and what is the process please?

In respect of ATMs, other that the machine at the branch, we are only aware of a free to use ATM at Dingwall Tesco - are you aware of others?
If not, once the branch closes there will only be one location with a free to use ATM in Dingwall - with a vast catchment area of users.

We will keep you updated as news is received.