Isles MP Angus Brendan MacNeil has invited John Glen MP, Economic Secretary to HM Treasury to the Isle of Barra and the Isle of South Uist to gain a better understanding about the implications of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s (RBS) decision to close the branch in Castlebay and reduce the hours of the branch in Lochboisdale.

Earlier this month, during a Westminster Hall debate on ‘the role of banks and their responsibility to the communities they serve’ Mr MacNeil again called on Ross McEwan, CEO of RBS to come out of hiding and face the public.

Commenting Angus MacNeil MP said:

“RBS is 72 percent owned by the taxpayer and it is only right that the UK Government is aware of the enormous impact bank closures and reduced hours will have on island communities.

“Following an informal conversation, I have written to John Glen MP, Economic Secretary to HM Treasury to invite him to come to Barra and South Uist so that he can see first-hand what RBS propose to do to island communities.

“Ross McEwan, CEO of RBS appears to be unwilling to come to the islands to face loyal RBS customers – but from the signals it seems John Glen MP will accept my invitation and seems more concerned than either Ross McEwan or the RBS Chair Sir Howard Davies about RBS island customers being left without a bank.”

ENDS