TSB bosses are preparing to sell its bank building in Stornoway after it permenantely closes later this year.
The Francis Street branch is due to disappear in three months with the TSB saying most customers have moved to digital and online banking services.
Only seven people use the premises for face-to-face banking on a regular basis while
it just has just two regular business customers going into the branch according to
the bank. A regular customer is defined as using the branch 48 weeks out of the 52
weeks up to February of this year.
The property is owned by the TSB which plans to dispose of the premises after the doors shut for good.
Recently, the bank indicated it intends to press ahead with a shut-down on 3 September.
The closure will leave the premises vacant and of no further use to the TSB.
Proceeds from the sale will be reinvested into the banking firm.
A public meeting two weeks ago opposed the closure, saying it would negatively impact older people.
In addition, wheelchair users, people with disabilities and walking restrictions would find it difficult to accessing the steps at the Stornoway Post Office.
A pop-up facility providing money advice will be provided elsewhere in the town on
three days a week, 9am - 5pm, with a break for lunch.
However, many of the present banking services, including cash withdrawals, deposits
or cheque payments will not be available at the pop-up.
Island TSB customers are being advised to go to the post office to carry out cash transactions.
No compulsory redundancies are expected from the closure with the three existing
staff members redeployed on a working from home basis in other roles when not covering
the replacement pop-up service.
The TSB proposes axing 36 bank branches across Great Britain, including ten in Scotland, over the next 12 months.
TSB plans to sell Stornoway bank building
3 June 2024