Petition handed in over bank closures

South Scotland MSP Craig Hoy led a Members' Debate in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday over the growing number of bank closures across the region.

- SHARON LIPTROTT

He also called for an urgent last-minute rethink on the closure of Moffat's Bank of Scotland.

The Upper Annandale-based politician said he called the debate because “banks have a duty to support all customers, and having a physical branch is essential to doing so.

He said: “This is the case in Moffat, where in less than two weeks' time the Bank of Scotland will close its doors for the last time.

“The community is rightly concerned.

“This leaves this vibrant tourist and retirement town without a bank or an easily accessible High Street ATM.”