RBS bosses today announced that 10 closure-threatened branches would be spared for now.
Branches in Beauly, Castlebay on Barra, Tongue and Kyle will now remain open until at least the end of the year.
There are six other branches in Scotland that have also been given a partial reprieve, including Biggar, Comrie, Gretna, Inveraray, Melrose and Douglas.
Their use will be reviewed over the next few months.
Previously, 62 branches were earmarked for closure after RBS announced its plans last year.
The news has prompted an outpouring of celebration on Twitter.
Great work from the SNP and everyone else involved. No thanks to Westminster.
— alan whiteside (@whiteymfc) February 6, 2018
Brilliant news, thank you x
?????????— Ellen MacPhee (@elle49) February 6, 2018
Just our #SNPScotGov ‘Getting on with the day job’! Thank you to Ian Blackford and all concerned ??????
— Oor Linda Indy2 ? (@linannlum) February 6, 2018
Brilliant stuff Ian, you’ve worked very hard on this, everyone decent has recognised this.
— Cosmichaggis (@Cosmichaggis) February 6, 2018
Thank you for all your hard work, Ian.
— Jac Mac (@Stovies6) February 6, 2018
With 52 branches still set to close, the news hasn’t been received as well by others, with many expressing their disappointment that more sites had not been saved.
@Eileen43Eileen @theSNP what about the rest of Scotland ?
— Bvwully Lamoil (@Bullionbill) February 6, 2018
None of the 10 RBS banks staying open until the end of 2018 are located in the North-East. @BBCNorthEast https://t.co/hDNZN19f3f
— neil metcalf (@neilmetcalf69) February 6, 2018
Give yourselves a pat on the back. Dozens of branches are closing. Do you really think the 10 saved will be open this time next year? #clueless
— Lovely Lady (@Twosoups347) February 6, 2018
Nine premises in the North and North-east are still planned to close including Banff, Ellon, Huntly, Montrose, Nairn, Dyce, Queensgate Inverness, Turriff and Bridge of Don.
