Bank of Scotland - Rutherglen Branch Closure

 The Bank of Scotland has responded to my letter reaffirming their decision to close the Rutherglen branch on 11 June 2026. This is incredibly disappointing, and comes despite hundreds of local people signing my petition calling on them to reverse the decision.  

I appreciate the way we bank is rapidly changing, but the loss of in-person access to cash and financial support at this scale risks leaving people behind. Despite a direct request to meet with the CEO of Lloyds Banking Group to discuss this issue, the letter instead delegates the offer of a meeting to a public affairs representative.  

This lack of communication simply isn’t good enough, especially as the closure is the latest in a series affecting residents in the Rutherglen constituency after branches shut in Uddingston and Bellshill. The Bank of Scotland has failed to understand the impact that these closures have on existing customers and the high street.  

I will continue pushing for face-to-face banking in our community so that people maintain access to cash and financial support close to where they live. You can read the letter from the Bank of Scotland in full below, and access my survey at the bottom of this page. 

Full text of letter from Bank of Scotland below: 

Dear Mr Shanks, 

Thank you for your email of 11 February to our CEO Charlie Nunn regarding the planned closure of the Bank of Scotland Rutherglen branch on 11 June 2026. I appreciate you taking the time to share your constituents’ concerns, and I understand how important long established local services are to the community. I have been asked to respond on behalf of the Group. 

Across the Group, more customers are choosing to manage their banking digitally or by phone, and this continued shift in behaviour has informed the difficult decision to close the Rutherglen branch. Before reaching this decision, we undertook a detailed assessment of how customers are using the branch today, the other services available in the area, public transport options and the needs of those who may require additional support. 

Although the branch itself will close, customers will continue to have access to a range of convenient and secure services.  Within your constituency, the Banking Hub in Cambuslang provides in person support for everyday transactions, and our Community Banker visits regularly to assist anyone who would benefit from more tailored help. 

Customers can also continue to carry out day-to-day cash transactions at the Post Office, including the one on Rutherglen Main Street, and many find PayPoint locations helpful for cash deposits using either our mobile app or their debit card. These outlets are often open from early until late, seven days a week, offering an accessible option for customers who prefer to bank closer to home. 

For customers who need to deposit cheques, there are several simple alternatives. Many now choose to pay them in using our mobile app by taking a photograph of the cheque and submitting it for processing, which is quick and straightforward once shown how to use it. For those who would rather not use digital services or who are not near a branch, cheques can be posted to us in an envelope with account details, and they will be processed once received. This ensures that customers continue to have practical ways to deposit cheques without needing to visit a branch. 

We also offer a wide range of support for customers who find digital banking challenging. This includes free digital skills training through our specialist helpline, and for those who are eligible, we can provide a free device—such as a tablet with a data allowance—to help customers build confidence in managing their money online. We have also invested in services designed to support customers with particular needs, including Relay UK and SignVideo.  

As part of our regulatory obligations, LINK has completed an independent Cash Access Assessment for the area, ensuring that cash access needs for the local community continue to be met and that any recommended improvements are identified. 

I appreciate your concern about the impact of this decision on Rutherglen and the wider constituency. Regarding your request for a meeting, we are happy to make our Scotland based public affairs colleagues and our Bank of Scotland Community Bank Director available to you to understand local needs, discuss this further and hear any additional issues your constituents would like to raise. 

Thank you again for writing. We remain committed to supporting customers in Rutherglen and ensuring they continue to have access to banking services that meet their needs both now and in the future. 

Kind Regards 

MP Customer Services 

Lloyds Banking Group