Penicuik Deserves Banking Access, Not Another Closure

Like many people in Penicuik, I was deeply disappointed to hear that the Bank of Scotland branch, the last bank in our town, is set to close. This is not simply about the loss of a building on the high street. It is about access to essential services and what kind of community we want to be.

For many residents, especially older people, face to face banking is still a necessity. Not everyone can switch to online services easily. Some people do not have reliable broadband. Others are not confident using digital banking. Many rely on public or rural transport and cannot simply travel to another town to withdraw or deposit money. Losing our last bank risks leaving those residents behind.

Local businesses will also feel the impact. Small traders, cafés, hairdressers, charities and community groups in Penicuik handle cash every day. Being able to deposit takings safely and locally matters. Removing that option creates real difficulties for the people who keep our local economy going.

Access to cash is not outdated. For many households and businesses, it remains essential. That is why I believe Penicuik deserves proper banking provision, not another closure that chips away at our town centre and local services.

While I am disappointed by this decision, I am focused on what can be done next. If elected, I will campaign to secure support from the Cash Access Network and LINK so that Penicuik is seriously considered for one of the new shared banking hubs. These hubs allow customers of different banks to access cash services, pay bills and speak to staff in person on different days of the week.

If a permanent hub cannot be delivered immediately, I will also push for interim solutions such as a mobile banking van. No one in Penicuik should be left without access to basic financial services.

This issue is about fairness, inclusion and support for our local economy. Our town deserves to retain access to cash, to support businesses, and to ensure older and more vulnerable residents are not excluded.