Nicola Sturgeon has urged RBS to “listen to the voice of the public” and end the uncertainty hanging over the remaining under-threat branches.
The SNP leader spoke out at first minister’s questions after the issue was raised by north MSP Gail Ross.
RBS announced this week that it had U-turned on 10 of 62 planned bank closures in Scotland, including four in the Highlands and islands.
Mrs Ross said: “I am pleased that the Tongue branch in my constituency has had a reprieve until the end of the year, thanks to a sustained campaign by the community and the Scottish National Party.
“However, Wick and Tain branches continue to face closure, as do a further 50 branches throughout Scotland.
“Will the first minister join me in calling for RBS to listen to its biggest shareholder—the taxpayer—to stop the decimation of high-street banking across Scotland?”
Responding, Ms Sturgeon said: “Yes, RBS should listen to the voice of the public on the issue.
“That said, I welcome RBS’s announcement on the reprieve given to 10 branches. That is welcome, although it leaves many other communities facing continued uncertainty.”
First minister Nicola Sturgeon calls on RBS to ‘listen to the public’ over closure-threatened branches
