Pledge over future of Fife bank branches - including those which are the 'last branch standing'

Nationwide Building Society has said it will continue to keep every one of its 696 Nationwide and Virgin Money branches open until at least the end of the decade, despite many other banks closing theirs. This includes in Leven, Cupar and Pitreavie in Dunfermline where they are the ‘last branch standing.’ The bank also has branches in Kirkcaldy, St Andrews and Glenrothes.

The new commitment extends its existing pledge by at least another two years, and applies even when a Nationwide branch and a Virgin Money branch are close to each other.

Nationwide’s move comes as other banks continue closure programmes, the largest in UK history. Figures from consumer group, Which? Magazine show 6,561 branches have been closed since January 20153.

Nationwide said closures have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable customers, including older people, many of whom rely on face-to-face services and support. Younger people rely on branches too - more than one in ten of Nationwide’s new student accounts were opened in branches this new academic year.

Dame Debbie Crosbie, group chief executive, said: “Branches are important to our customers, to communities, and to the health of our High Streets. That’s why Nationwide will continue to keep branches open in addition to our investment in online and telephone channels.”

Nationwide now operates the UK’s biggest single-brand banking network, with 605 branches. When combined with Virgin Money’s 91 branches, the total network expands to 696 branches. New Nationwide figures show increased branch usage and account openings through 2025, particularly in areas where it is the ‘last branch in town’.