The last remaining bank in North Berwick will continue operating for a few more months, giving locals additional time before the town loses its only in-person banking service.
Closure Pushed Back Once Again
North Berwick’s Bank of Scotland branch was initially set to close on April 2, following a decision made last summer. This came after an earlier postponement, as the branch was originally scheduled to shut its doors on February 19.
Now, Bank of Scotland has confirmed that the closure has been delayed once again, with operations continuing until July 2. The latest extension aims to provide time for an alternative banking hub to be set up in the town.
Bank’s Response to the Decision
A Bank of Scotland spokesperson explained the reasoning behind the branch closure, citing changing banking habits among customers.
“As many customers now choose to bank through their app or online, visits to our North Berwick branch have fallen over recent years,” the spokesperson stated.
They also pointed to alternative services available:
- Everyday banking needs can be handled at the local Post Office.
- Free-to-use ATMs are available nearby.
- Customers can use online banking, the mobile app, or phone services.
- A planned banking hub will provide in-person services once operational.
A Pattern of Closures Across East Lothian
North Berwick is just one of several towns in East Lothian impacted by bank closures in recent years. In 2023, the Royal Bank of Scotland in Tranent shut down. Last year, Bank of Scotland in Dunbar and TSB in Haddington also closed their doors.
Santander recently announced that its Musselburgh branch will close, leaving just two towns in East Lothian—Musselburgh and Haddington—with a physical bank presence once North Berwick’s branch shuts down.
Banking Hub Plans Underway
While the closure of North Berwick’s last bank is a blow for residents, plans for a new banking hub in the town are in progress. A similar hub recently opened on Dunbar High Street, offering a shared banking space where customers from various banks can carry out transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, and bill payments.
The Dunbar facility also provides a community banker service, allowing customers to speak with their own bank’s representative on designated days. North Berwick’s banking hub is expected to follow a similar model, providing much-needed services for locals once the Bank of Scotland branch closes.
