NatWest and RBS have confirmed that nine more bank branches will close before the end of the summer, dealing a fresh blow to high street banking. The closures affect Royal Bank of Scotland branches in Arbroath, Biggar, Castle Douglas, Giffnock, Milngavie, and Motherwell, as well as NatWest branches in Ashton Gate, Llanelli, and Port Talbot. The closures are scheduled to take effect between September 8 and 17.
Bank Vows No Further Closures Until 2029
On Friday morning, the group, which has branches in Birmingham, stated that these will be the last closures until at least 2029. The bank announced an additional £50 million investment in its network over 2026 and 2027, focusing on modernising existing locations, improving customer experience, and ensuring staff are equipped to provide high-quality in-person support.
To support this, the bank will increase the number of its mobile branch stops, expanding flexible, face-to-face services in communities across the UK, serving more communities than any other bank. As part of its longer-term vision to provide support where it is needed most and to drive local growth, the bank will also refurbish, relocate, and explore opportunities to open new branches where there is clear customer demand.
Digital Shift and In-Person Support
While 95% of customers now choose to bank digitally for their day-to-day needs, NatWest recognises that in-person support remains important, especially for significant life moments. Some branches will be impacted by the current programme of network changes, with a total of nine across Scotland, England, and Wales set for closure later this year. These will be the last closure announcements until at least 2029.
Solange Chamberlain, CEO of Retail Banking at NatWest Group, said: "This is an important moment for our customers and the communities we serve. We are investing to offer customers a seamless mix of ways to bank with us, including over the phone, digitally, or via our free-to-use ATM network, while continuing to support those who prefer face-to-face banking in branches and community banking hubs."
She added: "We will not announce any further branch closures until at least 2029 and are expanding more flexible and accessible ways to bank, with enhanced support to help customers act with confidence and achieve their financial goals. We understand the impact these changes can have for our colleagues and customers, and we will engage personally with all those affected by today's closure announcement."
Full List of Closures
The closures announced on Friday are at NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland. They are scheduled to take place from September 8 to 17 and are listed below.
Royal Bank of Scotland
- Arbroath
- Biggar
- Castle Douglas
- Giffnock
- Milngavie
- Motherwell
NatWest
- Ashton Gate
- Llanelli
- Port Talbot
