Rural Banking Survey Extended
13th April 2018
Individuals, businesses and community groups in and around 14 communities in the Highlands and Islands have an extra two weeks to take part in an online survey on rural banking services.
Among other things, the survey asks about the importance of being able to withdraw and deposit cash locally, experiences of using Post Office and mobile banking services, and the perceived impacts of local branch closures.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) commissioned Indigo House Group to carry out the work as part of a wider study into the social and economic importance of access to local banks.
The survey opened on 19 March 2018 and has been gathering feedback, particularly in areas where local banks are expected to close. More than 400 responses have already been submitted. To give time for more responses, HIE has extended the initial survey closing date to Friday 27 April 2018.
Carroll Buxton, HIE's director of regional development, said:"The survey has attracted a great deal of attention and we have received many responses. However, we recognise many people interested in completing the survey may not have had time to do so due to the Easter break.
"It is important for us to fully understand, from those directly affected, how important rural banking services are, and to look at how else these services might be provided, particularly in the context of rural branch closures. We are therefore keeping the survey open for a further two weeks until the 27 April 2018.
"The findings of this study will help inform how we and our partners go about helping communities achieve their ambitions for growth and resilience."
In addition to the online survey, the wider banking study will learn from other areas that have already experienced bank closures in Scotland and wider in the UK. It will examine the impact of these closures, and seek to identify alternatives for local banking services.
With a unique remit for community development, HIE recognises the vulnerabilities of rural communities and the importance of equitable access to services. Increasing competitiveness and tackling inequality are also key to Scotland's Economic Strategy.
The online survey is particularly targeted at communities in Tongue, Wick, Kyle of Lochalsh, Mallaig, Aviemore, Grantown on Spey, Nairn, Inverness, Beauly, Tain, Rothesay, Campbeltown, Inveraray, and Castlebay.
It can be accessed at www.hie.co.uk/access-to-banking-services-research Hard copies of the survey are also available.
Note Clydesdale Bank in Thurso is already closed.
PHOTO
Royal Bank of Scotland, Wick due to close shortly - Photo by bill Fernie
Related Businesses
Related Articles
Public investment is planned for a major redevelopment project at Port of Nigg in the Highlands. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved up to £10 million to support development of the port's Inner East Quay, which will result in the creation of a new heavy-duty quayside and the introduction of roll-on roll-off capability.
A further phase of development is getting under way at Wick Business Park in a move that will support economic growth and strengthen population retention in Caithness. Park owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has awarded a £1.8m contract to Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure Ltd to build a further four new business units.
The chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has announced plans to retire from the role in July. Alistair Dodds CBE has served on the HIE board for 11 years.
The funicular railway at Cairngorm Mountain resort returned to service on Thursday 27 February 2025. Scotland's only funicular railway has been out of action since August 2023, while an extensive programme of remediation works has been carried out, led by contractor Balfour Beatty on behalf of estate owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved a further £863,000 contribution to the Inverness Castle Experience project. Led by The Highland Council, the Inverness Castle Experience is a key project within the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, HIE and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
Highland based food and drink producers have until 28 March to enquire about a new support programme aimed at helping businesses in the sector to cut carbon emissions. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is looking for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to take part in the food and drink TechHUB Net Zero Mobilisation programme.
Ambitious plans to create a major new renewables hub in Orkney have been accelerated with a £5m grant to help take the project to the next stage. The funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will further the development of a new harbour facility for the assembly of offshore wind turbines at Scapa Flow - the largest natural harbour in the northern hemisphere.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has welcomed a new report into the economic potential of wave and tidal energy for Scotland. The study was carried out by the Policy and Innovation Group, part of the Institute for Energy Systems at the University of Edinburgh (UoE).
Companies operating in Scotland's aquaculture supply chain industries are being encouraged to get involved in a major global networking opportunity. Aqua Nor is the world's premier event for the sector and a focal point for new customers and investors who are interested in Scotland.
The much-anticipated return of the funicular railway at Cairngorm Mountain will not take place in December, as had been hoped. Contractor Balfour Beatty has substantially completed an extensive remediation programme to strengthen the 1.8km viaduct, however detailed inspections have shown that further work is required in some areas.
