People on Barra are being urged to take part in a review which could save the island’s only bank.
If RBS closes its branch in Castlebay, residents face a 25-mile trip to Lochboisdale on neighbouring island South Uist to find the closest alternative.
The publicly-owned bank announced earlier this year it would close 62 branches in Scotland.
Then 10 were given a “stay of execution” until the end of the year, including Beauly, Castlebay on Barra, Inveraray, Melrose, Kyle of Lochalsh and Tongue.
Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil has given his input into the independent review of the Castlebay bank and is urging other islanders to do the same.
Johnston Carmichael has been appointed to carry out the review and will make a recommendation to RBS on whether the bank should remain open or not.
Mr MacNeil said input from the local community was crucial at this time to keep banking services on Barra.
Speaking after his own interview with the firm, he said: “I was very heartened after my phone call with Johnston Carmichael. They have the power, frankly, to keep the bank open, and this makes it important that everybody who has a case to keep it open makes sure that case is heard by Johnston Carmichael.
“They will be visiting Barra on Monday August 6 and I would encourage people to get in touch with them to make an appointment or to submit feedback by email or letter.
“The case to keep the Barra branch open is very strong indeed and we also need to resume normal hours at Lochsboisdale, but we need to spell it out for Johnston Carmichael. They have the power to keep the branch open or not and RBS say they will be bound by their decision.
“I would encourage everyone who has an interest, whether large or small – from the point of view of annual crofters cheques from lamb sales; to daily businesses; or any charities, please get involved.
“Your voice is very important at this stage to keep banking services on Barra.”
The review team will be at the RBS branch in Castlebay on Monday August 6.
People can book an appointment by phoning 01224 259 353.
To contribute views to Johnston Carmichael, email RBSbranchreview@jcca.co.uk; fill in an online questionnaire at www.jcca.co.uk/rbsbranchreview; or by writing to: The RBS Review Team, Johnston Carmichael LLP, 29 Albyn Place, Aberdeen, AB10 1YL.
The deadline for submission of views is 5pm on Tuesday August 14.