CUMBRAE'S last bank branch has closed its doors for the final time.

The Bank of Scotland branch in Millport had its final day in business on Tuesday, February 20.

Local businesses have voiced their sadness at the only bank on the island shutting down, after the decision to close the facility was taken last year.

A post on the Premier Stores site on Facebook said: "As we are approaching the closing day of our Bank of Scotland Millport branch, I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of the staff who have served the community over the years.

"Thankfully nobody is losing their jobs which is a bit of good news on this sad day. Good luck to everyone for the future."

There was an outcry from politicians across the party divide when the Lloyds Banking Group announced last year that the branch would be closing, but the company said keeping the branch open was "unsustainable "as it only had 25 regular customers".

In a response, Neil Moore, Public Affairs, Scotland and London of Lloyds Banking Group, said "The Bank of Scotland Millport branch is closing in February 2024. However, we will provide a community banker to support our customers locally after the branch closes.

""Our customers are increasingly using online, mobile and telephone banking to manage their money.

"We have over 20 million digital users and visits to some branches have fallen by as much as 76 per cent over the last five years.

"Fewer customers are choosing to visit our branches. Indeed, only 25 customers are using this branch on a regular monthly basis. We have to respond to this changing behaviour.

"All customers who regularly use the branch will receive a letter with details of other ways they can bank with us.

"As part of this process, we will try to speak to customers who only use the branch to explain the alternatives that will be available to them after the closure happens."

"Our colleagues who work in the branch will be offered the chance to move to a role at another branch or another part of our business."