Six more RBS branches to close across Scotland under plans by NatWest

Six more Royal Bank of Scotland branches are to close in Scotland under plans by the NatWest Group.

On Friday, it was announced branches in Arbroath, Biggar, Castle Douglas, Giffnock, Milngavie and Motherwell are set to close.

Closures will take place from September 8 to 17, leaving 62 RBS branches in the NatWest network.

The bank has pledged that it will not make any further branch closure announcements across its NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster brands until at least 2029.

NatWest said the move marks the conclusion of its current programme of network changes as it works towards delivering a sustainable branch network.

The group will invest a further £50m in its network over 2026/2027, focusing on modernising existing locations and improving customer experience.

It said it will also increase the number of its mobile branch stops, expanding flexible, face-to-face services in communities across the UK.

NatWest said it will also explore opportunities to open new branches where there is clear customer demand.

Other account providers have made similar commitments around keeping branches open.

Nationwide Building Society, which has 605 branches, has previously promised to keep all branches open until at least 2030.

NatWest Group said that, while 95% of its customers now choose to bank digitally for their day-to-day banking needs, it recognises that in-person support remains an important part of how customers manage their finances.

Solange Chamberlain, chief executive of retail banking at NatWest Group, said: “This is an important moment for our customers and the communities we serve.

“We are investing to offer customers a seamless mix of ways to bank with us, including over the phone, digitally, or via our free-to-use ATM network – while continuing to support those who prefer face-to-face banking in branches and community banking hubs.

“We will not announce any further branch closures until at least 2029 and are expanding more flexible and accessible ways to bank, with enhanced support to help customers act with confidence and achieve their financial goals.

“We understand the impact these changes can have for our colleagues and customers, and we will engage personally with all those affected by today’s closure announcement.”

The bank said it will also continue to support financial capability through “financial health checks”, with more than 150,000 sessions delivered so far this year, helping customers take action over their finances.