Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has decided to keep open 10-closure threatened branches until the end of this year.
RBS will conduct an independent review at the end of the year to decide whether they should be run or closed.
In December 2017, RBS unveiled plans to shut down a quarter of its branches, which could result in loss of 680 jobs.
Based on its review, the taxpayer-owned bank has decided to shut down 62 RBS branches and 197 NatWest branches.
The bank is planning to open new branches across Scotland and improve ATM accessibility for all communities impacted by the closures, as part of its package of support to the customers.
RBS will will keep ten branches open, including Biggar, Beauly, Castlebay/Barra, Comrie, Douglas, Gretna, Inveraray, Melrose, Kyle, Tongue till the end of this year.
To enhance its digital capabilities, the bank will work with a small number of communities across Scotland to endorse the digital adoption of contactless terminals for the bank’s local customers.
The bank will also undertake an assessment on the opening hours of all receiving branch to better serve the customers.
In addition, the bank will continue to implement alternative methods to serve customers in all areas affected by branch closures
RBS personal banking managing director Jane Howard said: “We are committed to ensuring our customers and communities are able to continue accessing quality banking services.
“Having listened to the concerns of customers, communities and elected representatives from all political parties we have decided to keep ten branches open until the end of 2018.”
According to an RBS spokesperson, the number of customers using the bank’s branches across the UK has decreased by 40% and mobile transactions have increased by 73% over the same period.
Image: RBS to keep open keep open 10-closure threatened branches until the end of this year. Photo: courtesy of Royal Bank of Scotland.