Banking services are to be withdrawn from Bank of Scotland’s branch in Cowdenbeath from June 2025.

The announcement was made earlier, with details published on the bank’s website, which include the removal of the cash machine from 24th June 2025. The decision is being blamed on a continued rise in online banking.

The closure of the High Street branch means there are now no bank branches in a huge swaithe of central Fife, with the nearest Bank of Scotland in either Dunfermline or Kirkcaldy, leaving some personal banking customers and local businesses worried.

Reacting to the news, local councillor and convener of Fife Council’s Cowdenbeath Area committe, Alex Campbell (Lab), said he feels the banks are acting in a “ruthless” way in communities around the country.

“I feel really dissapointed for the customers of the last bank on the High Street. It seems to be blow after blow for businesses closing on our High Streets. These banks take these ruthless decisions irrespective of usage.”

SNP councillor for Cowdenbeath, Bailey-Lee Robb, had similar concerns,

“I’m deeply alarmed at the planned closure of the Cowdenbeath branch. With no other local bank in the town, or in the surrounding area, this will leave customers and businesses with no option but to travel further afield for local banking services.”

He continued, “To that end, I will be writing to the Chief Executive as a matter of urgency to seek clarity around their decision.”

In their closure announcement, the bank provided usage statistics to demonstrate the shift to online banking, with a reducing footfall for counter enquiries, dropping 48% between 2019 and 2024 for personal banking customers, and down 38% for business customers.

857 customers used the bank counter or deposit machines inside the branch during the 4 months ending February 2024, with 94% being personal banking and just 6% business customers.

Conservative councillor, Darren Watt, said in a social media post it was “very disappointing” news, continuing “In-person banking still remains a very importatn part of life for many people, particularly those most vulnerable in our society, and I sincerely hope proper support, guidance and advice will be offered to those most affected.”

Bank of Scotland have shared options for customers who are affected, including the use of the Post Office nearby for paying in cash or cheque deposits (with some restrictions), as well as encouraging customers to use their Dunfermline or Kirkcaldy branches.

The bank have also said their representatives will participate in a new Cowdenbeath Banking Hub one day per week, which is a new concept where different banks use the same premises on different days, with many operated by Post Office. According to the Bank of Scotland website, a new Hub is planned for the town.

The Cowdenbeath branch will close on 24th June 2025.