Meeting of the Parliament 24 March 2026 [Draft]
I, too, thank Clare Haughey for bringing this important debate the chamber.
Decisions to close Bank of Scotland branches, including the one in Rutherglen, have a profound impact on communities, as Ms Haughey explained very well. Any decision is not just about one building closing; it is about local stores, too, and about what that building represents to the people. High street banks are more than a place to withdraw cash or check a balance; they are a cornerstone of community life. They are where small businesses are supported and older residents can speak to a real person they trust, and they are where local charities manage the funds that keep vital services running. In towns such as Rutherglen, and in Springburn, where I live, those things really matter to people. There is a real sense of identity, pride and community spirit, and local services such as banks are part of that fabric. When they disappear, something much bigger is lost.
We have seen this pattern play out far too many times: closures are announced, communities are told to go online, and those who cannot, or should not have to, are left behind. Let us be honest—not everyone can simply switch to digital banking. For many older people, including my own mother, who has a disability, and for those without internet access, face-to-face banking is not a luxury—it is essential. For small businesses, particularly those that operate on our high streets, access to cash services is critical. Removing that infrastructure risks undermining the very local economies that we should be working to support. I recognise the commercial realities that banks face, but we cannot ignore the social consequences of these decisions.