Lloyds Banking Group have announced they are shutting 136 bank branches, with Wester Hailes one of 14 Bank of Scotland branches to close.
The closure will be a blow to the community especially with the proposed closure of the Post Office too. The date given for the closure is May 27 2025. Lloyds blamed the decision to shut the 61 Lloyds, 61 Halifax and 14 Bank of Scotland branches between May this year and March 2026 on customers shifting away from banking in person to using mobile and online services.
Local MSP Gordon Macdonald is seeking a meeting with Lloyds Banking Group to discuss the potential impacts of their decision and to obtain further details regarding support for those most affected.
Commenting, Gordon Macdonald said:
This news will be very worrying for those who rely on the Bank of Scotland branch services at the Westside Plaza Shopping Centre in Wester Hailes.
I am deeply concerned about the potential impact of this closure on members of the community who rely on these services particularly with the Post Office Branch in Wester Hailes also under review which would leave local customers with no means of face to face banking services.
I am urgently seeking a meeting with the Bank of Scotland to understand the impact of this decision on my constituents, and my office is on hand to support constituents if needed.
A spokesperson for the business said:
Over 20 million customers are using our apps for on-demand access to their money and customers have more choice and flexibility than ever for their day-to-day banking.
Alongside our apps, customers can also use telephone banking, visit a community banker or use any Halifax, Lloyds or Bank of Scotland branch, giving access to many more branches.
Customers can also do their everyday banking at over 11,000 branches of the Post Office or in a Banking Hub.
Amongst the list of closures is also the Edinburgh Corstorphine West Branch from October 29, 2025. After the closures the closest Bank will be located at the Gyle.
