Bank closures in Scotland

That this House notes that Lloyds Banking Group, which operates the Bank of Scotland, has announced that it plans to close all branches in Aberfoyle, Aviemore, Ballater, Braemar, Crieff, Cumnock, Cupar, Dunbar, Dunkeld, Duns, Eyemouth, Falkland, Fort Augustus, Girvan, Jedburgh, Newcastleton and Ullapool; further notes that, with the exception of those in Cupar and Ullapool, these are the last banks in the community; considers that this places several communities' access to cash at risk; is aware of the importance of access to cash for services and business in communities throughout Scotland especially in rural areas where the distance between communities with and without bank branches is often as much as 30 miles; regrets the announced closures; acknowledges the limitations that the devolution settlement places on the Scottish Government's ability to act in this area; and therefore calls on the Secretary of State to work with the Scottish Government to prevent closures and protect communities' access to banking services and cash.