Alternative banking options proposed by RBS in the wake of branch closures across Scotland are “impractical” and will leave rural businesses and people “vulnerable”, says Scottish Rural Action.

The comments came ahead of an evidence session on the branch closures to Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee next Wednesday.

Emma Cooper from Bute who, will attend the hearing on behalf of SRA, said: “The most vulnerable communities and people are most reliant on their local bank, and will be hardest hit by the closures. People feel vulnerable holding onto larger amounts of cash.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Alternative options offered by the bank are also unsuitable, according to Cooper. “The Post Office has cash and change withdrawal and deposit limits not suitable for businesses and farms.”

RBS will be represented at the evidence session by its managing directors of personal banking and branch and private banking, Jane Howard and Simon Watson, respectively. A spokesperson for RBS said: “We appreciate that this will be very difficult for customers. We are very keen to engage with our customers and help them understand all the different ways in which they can bank with us.”