Age Scotland backs call to save last bank in Moffat

Age Scotland is backing a community campaign which calls on Bank of Scotland to review the decision to close its branch in Moffat, which is the town’s last remaining bank branch.  

With older people accounting for around two thirds of the bank’s clientele, the charity and community campaigners are highlighting that the bank’s failure to listen to customers’ concerns risks digital exclusion, and a loss of financial security and independence. 

Following the scheduled closure on 19th November 2025, the closest alternative for in-person banking services would be Dumfries - at least an hour and a half round-trip by bus. 

The charity recently hosted a packed meeting of residents and customers in Moffat Town Hall to hear directly how individuals and businesses would be impacted by the closure.  Speaking at the event were local campaign organiser Evelyn Atkins and South of Scotland MSP, Craig Hoy.

Age Scotland’s Policy Director Adam Stachura, who chaired the meeting, said:

“It came through loud and clear at the meeting that the bank’s customers in Moffat really value their branch.  

“We made the trip on the bus to Dumfries and experienced first-hand the lengthy journey customers will face in order to reach the nearest branch. This also relies on good public transport links existing, which we know are often subject to change. 

“If the closure goes ahead, we are really concerned about those older people who are not online or not comfortable online and are finding banking digitally a huge challenge. A loss of in-person banking services is a real risk to their financial independence and security.

“We are urging Bank of Scotland to properly review their decision – come to Moffat, speak to customers who feel their voices have not been heard, and consider the impact on those who cannot undertake the alternatives they have presented.” 

Campaign organiser, Evelyn Atkins, said:

“I speak from experience as a 75 year old who to all intents and purposes am computer literate.  Computers are evolving and changing at a rapid speed, banking apps get tweaked and we have to learn new skills, computer equipment and phones become obsolete and needs to be updated.  Scams are becoming more sophisticated and a Robotic voice does not know me as a customer.  Someone needs to remember that our thought process gets slower as we age and it become difficult to learn new skills.

“The world is changing and yes, I am aware that things need to evolve, but surely the Bank should look after their customers who have been loyal supporters of their ethos over the years, there is a need for face-to-face banking by bank staff who know their customers.

“These changes are far too drastic for those born in the 40’s 50’s and some of the 60’s, there needs to be some common sense to an approach that will leave the elderly vulnerable and financially insecure.”

South of Scotland MSP, Craig Hoy, added:

“Sadly yet another high street bank is set to close its doors without fully assessing the impact it will have on local residents and businesses. This is the latest blow to banking in rural areas in Dumfriesshire and I would urge Bank of Scotland to think again. Moffat has many older residents, a number of small businesses who need banking services and many visitors who need ready access to cash.

"I will be meeting with representatives of the bank along with colleagues in late August and will make clear the very real concerns of Moffat residents and businesses. In the meantime, I will also meet with Link, which makes cash access  assesments, to press the case for a banking hub and an ATM in the event that Bank of Scotland will not reverse its decision to close the branch.”

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