Community Braves Freezing Conditions to Save Clydesdale Bank Branch

Despite freezing temperatures almost 250 people turned out in Aboyne to sign the newly launched petition urging Clydesdale Bank to reverse their decision to close the branch. Shortly after, an on-line version was launched which goes directly to the email box of the Bank’s Chief Executive, David Duffy. A Facebook page has been started and within 48 hours the posts had been seen by almost 5,000 people

Amongst those who braved the sub-zero temperatures was Aberdeenshire West & Kincardine MP Stuart Donaldson who listened to what people were saying as they were signing

Mr Donaldson commented:

"It is great to see the large number of local people who are supporting the petition and showing their determination to keep their branch, an important community asset, open.”

Local councillor Geva Blackett who is involved in the campaign said:

“People come from far and wide to use this very busy branch, it is absolutely vital to the economy of the area as is the ATM. I sincerely hope the Bank are listening to what the people they serve are saying and reverse their decision – I urge everyone to lend their support to this petition please”

Clydesdale claims to be “Big enough to matter and small enough to care” Their website states “Being close to our customers is at the heart of everything we do, because to care about here means always understanding how to better serve the people who live here.”

Cllr Blackett added:

“We have the media on side, we have our Members of Parliament on side, we have public opinion on side - so my message to Mr Duffy is: Please listen to the businesses and folk that make up this widespread and in parts remote community – come on side too, show you care and don’t close our bank!”

Fiona Mallett who is also involved in the campaign and drives the local community bus for the retired folk in Strathdon said:

“I pick people up from as far up Strathdon as Corgarff, bring them to Aboyne where they do their banking, get their messages and have a cup of tea in the local café before we head off back – it’s the old and vulnerable who will suffer if this branch closes and the businesses will suffer too!”

Local resident Craig Pirie said:

“Less than 72 hours ago we heard this branch was going to close. Today’s action and support shows the strength of feeling in the area – people came from Strathdon, Tarland, Braemar, Torphins, Alford and Ballater to sign the petition because they want the bank to stay”