SNP candidate Rosie backs cash machine initiative
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COUNCILLOR and parliamentary candidate Karl Rosie is backing an initiative that could help secure new cash machines in rural communities.
The UK’s largest ATM operator, Link, is running a Community Access to Cash Delivery Fund and recently launched a dedicated website for applications and help.
Research by Which? found that Scotland lost more than a third of its bank and building society branches between 2010 and 2018, leading to the closure of more than 200 ATMs in Scotland last year alone.
Councillor Rosie represents Thurso and Northwest Caithness on Highland Council and is the SNP candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross at next month's general election.
“The Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross area has been massively affected by the closure of Scottish bank branches which has meant several ATMs have been withdrawn from the area," he said. "This is without a doubt having a detrimental impact on our high streets, local businesses and the tourism industry.
"There is no denying that the UK is taking steps towards becoming a cashless society. However, this is not practical for the Highlands and Islands.
"We have a huge issue with broadband connectivity and mobile services in rural communities and this can cause real problems when it comes to online banking.
"Let’s not forget the older generation, who may be unfamiliar or opposed to online banking and are instead having to go out of their way to access cash.
"The Community Access to Cash Delivery Fund is a great idea and I was pleased to see in August that Durness had been chosen to receive a new free-to-use cash machine as part of the scheme. Before this, locals faced either a 53-mile drive to Lochinver or a 71-mile journey to Thurso. This is just one example of the issues surrounding accessibility to cash in rural areas in the Highlands and Islands.”
Due to the election, the application window for the community access to cash initiative has been moved to January 2020 but Councillor Rosie is urging people to get in touch now regarding suggestions for areas that would benefit from a new ATM.
More information can be found at https://www.link.co.uk/consumers/suggest
