THE ROYAL Bank of Scotland/NatWest has announced the closure of 158 branches across the UK, 30 of which are to close in Scotland, including three in rural Aberdeenshire.

Highlighting the move, North East LibDem MSP Mike Rumbles said the cuts would mean the loss of more than 400 jobs nationwide, while causing particular inconvenience to people in rural areas, not least in Banchory, Stonehaven and Westhill where branches face the axe.

“This is no way to treat people in the rural North East," said Mr Rumbles. "When RBS closed the Alford branch they told people to move their local branch to Westhill – now they are closing that too.

“The people of Banchory, Stonehaven and Westhill must be livid. This is very poor business practice and shows a complete disregard for people living and working in rural communities," he said.

“RBS have the gall to call themselves the Bank ‘for’ Scotland. Perhaps they mean ‘for’ urban Scotland?" he added. "I for one will be suggesting to people that if they no longer have easy access to a local branch they should switch to another bank altogether.”