SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan has signed a joint letter by SNP MSPs over the Bank of Scotland’s announcement to close eleven Scottish branches, including Balivanich on 1st July 2026.

The island MSP has also signed Scottish Parliamentary Motion S6M-20791 in the hope of securing a debate in Parliament to speak out against the closures.

Allan has raised his concern about what this means for jobs and many vulnerable residents throughout Uist who need to access to face-to-face banking.

Allan commented:

“I am pleased my SNP MSP colleagues are taking a joint approach in urging the Bank of Scotland to re-think its stance on closing their branch in Benbecula.

“This measure would mean Uist’s Bank of Scotland customers would need to make an all-day day return trip via ferry to branches in either Skye or Stornoway just to visit their nearest Bank of Scotland. Even moving bank to the Royal Bank would leave people in many parts of Uist with very long journeys.

“Although I appreciate more customers do their banking online, there are still vulnerable and elderly residents who will be worried about these closures, alongside bank clerks and managers concerned about their employment.

“I would strongly urge the Bank of Scotland to reconsider this decision and confirm that one of their 15 new banking hubs will be in Uist, and also to offer more assurance about the future of Cashline machines in the islands.

“Of course, I would encourage any Uist constituents concerned about how to continue accessing their Bank of Scotland services to get in touch with the Bank of Scotland, or myself.”