Town celebrates new bank opening

Locals had objected to losing the bank last year

An Aberdeenshire community has been told a former Clydesdale Bank branch is reopening after a long fight - as a Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

The Clydesdale Bank closed its doors in New Deer last year despite protests from local people.

The building was initially bought by the community association and then in turn bought by RBS.

RBS said the local community had shown "determination and tenacity" in trying to retain the bank.

The Clydesdale Bank said the New Deer branch had been under-performing and a decision was taken to close it.

Their passion and commitment to the cause gave us the confidence to make it happen Anita Hunt RBS regional managing director

About 200 people who turned out for a public meeting tried to persuade the Clydesdale that the economic grounds for closing New Deer's only bank were not justified.

They argued that older people were unwilling to switch to internet or telephone banking, and that businesses needed to be able to deposit cash over the counter.

A review was carried out - but it was decided that the closure would still go ahead.

Mobile banking was used in the interim, but RBS has now announced that the branch will reopen this summer.

'Happy ending'

RBS regional managing director Anita Hunt said: "The local communities in New Deer and the surrounding area have shown great determination and tenacity in trying to retain their bank.

"Their passion and commitment to the cause, in addition to a thriving local economy, gave us the confidence to make it happen."

SNP leader and Banff and Buchan MP Alex Salmond, who has supported the fight for the New Deer bank, told the BBC Scotland news website: "It's ground breaking news that another bank is taking over.

"It's enormously important for central Buchan and an inspiration for other communities around Scotland after New Deer refused to take no for an answer.

"Congratulations to the local community - it's nice to have a happy ending."