Clydesdale Bank Branch in Thurso To Close

18th January 2017

In September 2016 CYBG PLC, the parent company of Clydesdale Bank, announced that its branch network would be reducing as part of the Bank's strategy to create a truly integrated digital, mobile, telephone and branch service for its customers.

Following last year's announcement, Clydesdale Bank has today confirmed that it will close 40 branches in 2017.

The Thurso Branch will close on 23rd May 2017. The nearest alternative Clydesdale branch is in Wick just over 20 miles away.

Since 2011, the number of customers using their bank for day-to-day transactions across the banking industry in the UK has fallen by a third. This ongoing decline in branch usage, married to a sharp and sustained increase in digital and mobile engagement, has driven a shift to providing greater access to day-to-day banking services remotely, on the move and outside of normal business hours. The Bank continues to reshape its service offering in response to these changing needs.

To support this transformation the Bank is committing £350m over the next two years, embracing digital innovation while continuing to invest in a more sustainable branch network to deliver a superior customer experience. The benefits of this approach can already be seen through a significantly enhanced digital offering, a programme of new flagship branch openings and refurbishments.

The Bank's first priority is to our customers and we will be working extensively with impacted customers, local communities and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the transition to their new branch is as smooth and as sensitive as possible, particularly where vulnerable customers are concerned.


It is also the Bank's intention to try to find roles for frontline branch staff either within other branches or elsewhere in the Bank, wherever possible. However, there will inevitably be employee number reductions as a result of these changes. We anticipate that around 200 Clydesdale Bank staff will be at risk of redundancy and subject to our redeployment process. All employees affected by these changes will be fully supported through the process.

Gavin Opperman, Customer Banking Director, Clydesdale Bank, said:"While the decision to close any branch is never an easy one, it is important that we, in line with other banks operating in the UK market, continue to respond to changes in the way customers want to bankwith us.

"The changes announced today continue our journey towards a model that combines an enhanced digital platform with a right sized branch network; allowing customers to interact with us through a wide range of channels - mobile, online, telephone, in-branch - whenever and however they want."

The Bank will be working with customers to support them through the change. Branches in Scotland affected by the closure are listed below along with alternative banking options.

Posters will be placed in each affected branch advising customers of the impending closure. Written notification will be sent at least 12 weeks before any branch closes providing details to customers on the alternative ways of continuing to manage their accounts, including nearest branches, ATMs and Post Office counters - which Clydesdale Bank customers can use for day-to-day banking.

The branch closures, combined with our significant investment programme, are core components of the Bank's strategic priorities of driving sustainable customer growth, building a more efficient Bank and optimising the Bank's use of capital.