Former RBS branch set to become Wick banking hub
The former Royal Bank of Scotland building in Wick is set for a new lease of life – as the base for the town’s banking hub.
Members of the public will be able to find out more at a drop-in information event in the Assembly Rooms on Thursday.
The RBS branch in Bridge Street shut down almost seven years ago and further closures have meant steadily fewer opportunities for face-to-face banking in Wick.
The town’s last remaining bank – the Bank of Scotland, on the other side of Bridge Street – is due to close in June and the intention is that the banking hub will be open by then.
Community representatives have been liaising with Cash Access UK, a not-for-profit company owned and funded by nine major banking providers. Banking hubs are owned by Cash Access UK and operated by the Post Office.
Cash Access UK confirmed on Tuesday that a lease has been signed for the former RBS, which has been disused since closing in May 2018.
Highland Council leader Raymond Bremner, who represents Wick and East Caithness, said: “I’m glad that there seems to be real progress in the work to locate a banking hub in Wick. There are so many people that will benefit from this and I also hope that it will help sustain some of the footfall and use of buildings in our town centre.
“Whilst banks reference an increase in online banking, there are many who feel more secure with in-person banking as well as those who don’t have the ability to use or navigate online banking. I really hope that we will see quick progress towards the opening of the hub.”
Wick’s provost, Jan McEwan, said: “I am delighted that the banking hub has been confirmed and I would suggest service users go along to the drop-in information session taking place in the Assembly Rooms for more information and assurance.”
Councillor McEwan said the hub will be welcomed by those who want to be able to carry out face-to-face transactions at a time when the town is losing its last bank.
The drop-in information event at the Assembly Rooms will run from 7pm to 9pm on Thursday, January 30.
Lesley Wilson, community engagement officer for Cash Access UK, will give a presentation and host a Q&A session. All are welcome to attend.
Councillor Willie Mackay, another Wick and East Caithness member, said: “This is great news. The former RBS building on Bridge Street is an ideal location.
“This will be such a relief for a great number of people who would rather have face-to-face appointments and advice from banking staff.”
He added: “I hope that customers who need to make large transfers of money from their account will not have a limit put on them at the hub.”
Allan Farquhar, chairman of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council (RBWCC), said: “After lengthy negotiations, we are delighted to see the new location for the banking hub.
“We now look forward to Cash Access UK refurbishing the property to make it fit for purpose after lying empty for some time.”
Mr Farquhar pointed out that the Cash Access UK website contains useful information about banking hubs.
He said: “We would urge members of the public to make themselves aware of the banking hub services and to submit questions either directly to Cash Access UK, any member of RBWCC, by email at secretary@wickcommunitycouncil.com or of course at Thursday night’s drop-in meeting.”
Mr Farquhar understands that Cash Access UK plans to hold another public session prior to the hub opening.
LINK, the cash access and ATM network, announced in June last year – in the aftermath of the Bank of Scotland announcement – that Wick will benefit from a new banking hub “as part of a wider commitment to protect access to cash”.
Community bankers will take it in turns to visit the hub and members of the public will be able to pay in cash and cheques, withdraw cash, check their balance, pay utility bills and top up their gas and electricity.
A post office will be part of it and it is understood there will also be a cash machine, managed by LINK.
Wick’s Bank of Scotland branch is due to shut in June, with bank bosses saying many customers are now using a mobile banking app or internet banking.
Since 2018 the town has lost its Royal Bank of Scotland, TSB and Clydesdale Bank branches as well as Virgin Money. After the Bank of Scotland closes its doors, the nearest high street banking outlets will be 21 miles away in Thurso.
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