Full list of Bank of Scotland branches to close this year

BANK of Scotland is set to axe even more branches this year in another crushing blow to customers.

Bosses at Lloyds, who run Bank of Scotland, are closing down branches amid a move to online banking.

There will be 18 more branches closed across the country this year.

The closures will add to the growing tally of physical bank branches being shut down as banks move online.

Bank chiefs claimed every branch which is closing will have either a free cash machine or Post Office nearby.

Bosses say the decision to shut down branches was made after customers preferred the “ease and convienience of banking online”.

But online banking can prove difficult for some elderly customers and those living in rural areas.

Bank chiefs said they understand the impact this will have on elderly customers who struggle with online banking.

Some branches are being replaced with a Community Banker who will visit the area to provide banking services.

Up to six new Community Bankers will be hired to run banking services in branchless towns.

Others will be replaced with Banking Hubs where people will still be able to cash cheques, make deposits and pay into their accounts

Cash machines are also being installed in some towns to give people access to some banking services once the branches close.

All staff who work at branches which are closing are to be offered jobs in other branches or in other departments.

A Bank of Scotland spokesperson said: “More and more customers are choosing our mobile app or online banking to manage their money.

“Customers also have the option to bank with us at the Post Office, in a Banking Hub or by speaking to a Community Banker.”

Lloyds Banking Group announced a wave of closures across the UK.

Branches of Halifax, Natwest and Lloyds will all be shutting their doors for good.

Barclays also closed down six of their banks in February.